Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently responded to the tough questions he has faced since announcing the defense budget – specifically the plans to increase TRICARE fees and co-pays.
In his ‘Chairman’s Corner’ column Gen. Dempsey, explains that “there are no easy answers in cutting $487B from the budget.” He added that he is concerned about the possible negative impact that sequestration forced cuts will have, not only on pay and benefits, but also on our ability to “remain the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world.”
Gen. Dempsey also wrote that when creating the budget proposal, Pentagon leaders considered “all the cost variables.” Adding, “pay and benefits account for more than 1/3 of the budget” and “health care costs in particular have increased from $19B in 2001 to $48B today.” Adding, “We had to act to slow this growth.”
The General’s column closed with the following:
“I want those of you who serve and who have served to know that we’ve heard your concerns, in particular your concern about the tiered enrollment fee structure for TRICARE in retirement. You have our commitment that we will continue to review our health care system to make it as responsive, as affordable, and as equitable as possible”
At one point in his column, Gen. Dempsey used the phrase “we intend to keep faith with our armed forces.” Based on the tough questions and feedback he has faced lately, it appears many retirees would disagree.
Let your elected officials know how you feel about this issue.
I thought when they closed all the hospitals/clinics on bases that the entire process was supposed o safe money. As usual think takes/contracing is the smart thing t do. When you are fighting 2 wars items such as this will go up. law of logic.
Outsourcing has never saved money. It just required that money from one pot be moved to the new pot and more money had to be added to the new pot to pay the oursourcing costs! This has been proven over and over again.
Amen Charles, The Democronies voted for their hero and they are still
defending him, and getting screwed too!! Wake up America!
Vote Obama out.
It’s not just Obama, its Congress, and the senior generals who won’t fight this travesty and it’s also the ex military on the Defense Business Board betraying their comrades by recommending a federal employee system. Next war call the federal employees to fight.
It's still cheaper than a comparable civilian plan. I retired, and make around 80k with my retirement check according to the IRS. I'll pay it. Everything combined I made about the same before I retired, but it took me 6 years to claw my way back up. The civilian world is no joke.
Amen Brother!
Steve, exactly on point!
I'll pay the increases as well, no problem. All things considered…it's still a good deal–better than other insurance offered at my job….one of them was $1500 A MONTH for family!! . What I don't "like" is the basis of future increases after 2018 (?) — based on medical inflation???? Ummm…I thought it would be capped based on COLA increases? That could be the "curse" in the deal. Just like the $30K at 15 years….oh, by the way, your COLA is capped 1% under norm…..(fading off) Not too many people paid attnetion to that clause….this is the same thing–look at the end game.
Glad you are happy to pay the proposed new fees and glad you think it is a great deal. The rest of us don't think it is a great deal because we were not supposed to pay anything for our health care so long as we stayed 20 plus years in Service. I was in 27 years and started off at $78/month as a E-1 – that was before taxes – ended up with $56 a month after taxes. It didn't change much over the next 4 years even when I made Sgt – it went to $240 plus combat pay! After being commissioned, 2ndLt pay was much better plus I was handed the massive bill for unitorms and a whole bunch of other stuff. Over the years in the 70s and early 80s, our PCS moves had to be supplemented from our pocket. Wasn't until the late 80s that PCS reimbursements starting to get closer to the cost of the moves!
LtCol USMC-Retired
With all respect…what you made over your career has nothing to do with the subject. I made crap too in the beginning. Fact is, this country is broke and regardless of popular opinion, vets are not shouldering the load…look around at the budget. But PLEASE…ENOUGH of the "we were promised free health care". Yes, we were ALL promised it…….but you know what? Things change. So, you can either sit around and bitch about for years or accept it and move on and vote when the time comes. We've been paying for health care for HOW LONG now?? Never mind that it's at such a LOW rate compared to other plans….we should pay nothing, right? Gas is going to $5 a gallon, taxes are up and the vets should not pay a little more for health care?
Look, yes the means testing is little different….BUT it's for WORKING AGE retirees. Which means some may have to give up that 5 lattes a week or not get the "Super-Unlimited" Cell phone plan or not buy those two packs of cigarettes a day. I would even bet that some even get additonal $ from the VA on top of their checks. In my opinion, those making $45K a year in retirement AND working have little to complain about when asked to pay $2048 a year for health care.
I suspect you have never been on a long deployment or in a hostile fire zone.
Ummm, yes I have. What has that got to do with ANYTHING we'retalking about?
I am 57. Working age. Unemployed. I don't even get $2048 in my retirement. So, yes, this is gonna hurt…BIG TIME. Oh, and I have three kids. Two of whom aged out of the Tricare program and I can't afford the $200/month times two for them to be covered under the tricare for youth. Other families are allowed to carry their children til age 26. I don't sleep at night worried about how I'm gonna survive and pay for all this. Believe me, there are no lattes, no super cell phones. I've been a single mom on active duty my entire career….finally retired…now this. Please don't assume you know who this change will affect. V/R
You are right, now they have used you up; The DOD just forgets all their promises. If you complain they call you a whiner, and unpatriotic !
I apologize, I don't assume anything and I understand your point. All I'm saying that if they go through wiht this means testing and one way or another, "some"version of this will likely pass in Congress, the lower tier folks' increase is between $6-$8 a month per year. If you make $45K + a year, it's around $30 a month increase per yer
I don't mind having to pay small amount, but we know its going to increase each year, with no end in sight. At issue is that Retirees are paying for the rest of the country. How can both Dems & Reps propose tax cuts from 20-28% when Retirees are losing their benefits. Believe me, its not the average Joe that is going to get these tax cuts, so you will not be able to pay those higher TRICARE costs with the tax dollars that the government is going to give you. Not sure I understand why $4B dollars are being spent for Afghan soldier training, or money being spent on foreign aid (actually its buying friends) or for illegal immigrants, while retirees bear the brunt of this fiscal fiasco. All Congressmen/women and Senators currently serving should not be reelected! Kick them out.
ALL families can carry their kids under Tricare until age 26. That is the ONLY thing about Obamacare I like.
Amen Brother! My oldest brother is a marine.
You are so right!
Yep, that medical inflation can end up your retirement check!! I didn't take the REDUX and can still end up taking it!!
I was promised free health care after retirement, well of course that changed!!!! I'm sure the generals who are putting this out will not have to worry about the cost of Tricare when they retire! What a crock!!!!!
The Chairman is a good man but he has to be careful. I would be too
if I worked for obama. As a retiree I was promised free health care
when I enlisted. I have to pay the additional cost that the Democronies have
forced us to swallow. I do not like it but I have a family to support also.
Us Republicans need to stand up for our rights and make sure that Obama does not win the election. I pray that others share my view.
God Bless the United States Armed Forces!
You are full of ??!!#$%T Bush wanted to increase our copay 8 times what they are thinking about. Regan what a idiot did not know what is was doing his last 4 years in office so he to wanted to increase out copay and annual pay. So don't blame President Obama for their mistakes. Do vote for President Obama and watch what those other Republicans running for office with do to our benefits. Stop listening to the News and research and read.
Yea vote for that socialist and he answer the Democrats will finish destroying not only our health plan,bit our country.
The platform of the Democrats Ian totally socialist. Why don’t the Democrats call them selves what they are COMMUNIST
I respect the fact that you served your country in Vietnam.
But you are a democronie regardless.
Please go to your local library and check out a copy of "Das Kapital" by Karl Marx. Read it. Then come back and tell us exactly what President Obama and the Democrats have proposed that is Communist.
1. Folks, different parties can want the best for the US and have different visions. Just because we disagree with someone doesn't mean they're a "traitor" "communist" or other insult. Let's show we can keep our debates out of the gutter.
2. We need to stay on-topic – the impact of the defense cuts on the Military personnel, both those currently serving and those retired. We need to admit Defense WILL be cut – it's over 1/2 of the discretionary budget. There is no way to balance the budget without cutting defense. In addition, Personnel amounts to 1/3 of the Defense budget, and is the fastest growing part. However, making cuts BEFORE you do the study of where to make cuts and their impact doesn't make sense. Since they want to study the effects, let them do so – with a panel that includes retired officers AND enlisted AND survivors.
3. Keep reminding them of their own words – not a legal argument but a political one:
NDAA 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
"Title VII – Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A – Improvements to Health Benefits
Section 701 –
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Limits, beginning with FY2012, the increase in the annual DOD patient enrollment fees to the percentage by which retired pay is increased."
3. We need to keep reminding Congress of what
That's what I get for not double-checking. Ignore that last sentence there.
Hey AF Vietnam….It kills me to hear all these military guys talk negatively about socialism when they have benefited the most from the greatest socialist system in the world, THE US MILITARY!
Spoken like a true democronie
SFCCavidRET clearly gets all his so called news from Faux. The Bush/Cheney criminal gang fought every single pay raise except the very last one. They also fought the increase in hazardous duty pay. The Congress had to force the increases through. Bush/Cheney only needed the troops for props and to die for their idiotic wars. We would have been out of Afghanistan years ago if the Mutt & Jeff hadn't lost interest and gone to the unnecessary Iraq war. Any service person who is a fan of the Bush regime is living in a dream world.
You idiot, this has nothing to do with Obama, we all were promised free health care way before Obama, however, I was told, "did you get it in writinf" when retired; Obam,a was not the Prez and you are a "F" in idiot for thinking that, stop being a racist and learn the facts, she idiot.
This has nothing to do with Obama. It is the Republicans who demanded cuts on the backs of the DOD. Know where to lay the blame.
I'm having difficulty understanding some of the comments/complaints, so I'll just say my piece and go. I joined in 1958 and like all of us was promised health care for myself and family for life. I have seen that promise stepped on, throttled and in general make next to worthless by people who DID NOT go to war, never heard a shot fired in anger and essentially HID behind their Senate/House desks or their privilege of RANK. Had I understood in 1958 that it was ALL A LIE, I never would have joined or served. Look VERY CLOSELY at the erosion of faith, confidence and trust that has methodically taken place over the years and KNOW that you are being fed drivel and lies, always.
I respect that you went to Vietnam, You deserve my respect. But you are a
Democronie!
I do think there should be a means test so that high income recipients pay the co-pay and those in the lower range would be waived. I cannot understand why a retired general office should not pay, as should I.
You should not have to pay for your healthcare either. A promise is a promise.
1. Except there was no promise. That case was settled by the Supreme Court in 2003. Congress never authorized it, so no recruiter or anyone else could make the promise.
http://mrgrg-ms.org/crs1006e-the-issue-of-promise…
2. NDAA 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
"Title VII – Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A – Improvements to Health Benefits
Section 701 –
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Limits, beginning with FY2012, the increase in the annual DOD patient enrollment fees to the percentage by which retired pay is increased."
Do you get Space-A priority seating on a C17? Most GOs have great jobs with better benefits than TRICARE. Service is service, and when we start comparing who is making what, and deciding on who gets more or less, then we are in line with disastrous Obamacare mandates.
I have said this before and will continue to say it—under DOD's plan which the General signed off on a so-called working age retiree making $22,590 in retirement will pay the same for his Tricare Prime as a retiree making up to $45,178. If you are under age 65 you are put in the category of " Working age retiree" regardless of your health or ability to work. This is wrong just plain wrong and DOD apparently doesn't care.
Amen Brother!!
I'm going to go way out on a limb here and say I think your retirement check is a little higher now than it was then. I think you can afford to pay something. They lied to me, too, AND I'm under 65. I do think their 22,590 to 45,178 is a pretty broad stroke…
My retirement check BEFORE taxes is approximately $24,000. I have numerous health problems and live off of my retirement pay along with my wife. Under DOD'S PLAN MY TRICARE AND THE COST OF THE NAME BRAND MEDICATIONS i TAKE WILL TRIPLE BY FY 2017. I think I have earned the right to complain. What worries me most is what happens to my wife when I die and there is no retirement or VA disability checks but greater and greater healthcare cost.
Maybe one should look to who is keeping the books. Who is collecting the money and who is paying the bills.
No you are wrong democronie
Accountability sure has lacked in this admin and keeps blaming others for their misgivings. Time to vote them out.
Free medical care was the promise. The means test applied is wrong since it is not applied to the Fed work force. Apply to everyone, then maybe we have something to talk about. We earned the benefit and it is improper to expect military retirees to sacrifice again to balance the budget. The Congress caused the problem by excessive tax cuts across the board and making sure 50% of the population does pay taxes and at the same time giving them tax money because they have kids! Dumb as wearing two left shoes!
I see nothing wrong with an increase in Tricare, cut in other benefits, no COLA…IF, and I repeat, IF all, starting down from the POTUS, take the same cut as we retirees do. This includes retired politicians and those that are supposed to be running, or should I say ruining, this country.
The 535 members of the Senate and House main objective is to take control of the White House, Senate, and House. It is not to make life better for the men and women that served or are serving.
The reason that the politicians s.h.i.t. on us is because we allow them to s.h.i.t. on us. We are too busy bad mouthing the other party and the politcians are laughing all the way to the bank with the money they made doing the "insider trading."
Semper Fidelis. Blackcoat.
I have no faith they will keep faith since they haven't done so up until now. They tell us all about how health care costs are rising and how much it costs, well, you shut down how many hospitals under BRAC thus pushing a lot of retirees and dependents into the civilian sector which costs you a lot more. So YOU have yourselves to blame for a good chunk of that increase.
But of course, it will be taken out of our hide instead. Yeah, the folks who were promised all kinds of things if we served and stayed in until retirement. Only to find out that these were all "policy" decisions and they could change them on a whim…and they did.
I seriously believe that if I had it all to do over again I would never have joined, let alone stayed in to retire.
Panetta won't be happy until every vet is on food stamps (but we have too much self-respect)!
I understand why we are going to have to pay up; but, would feel a lot better about it if congress did a little suffering with us! They have not given up a thing for themselves!
Tough to make any changes with Queen Harry Reid in power working for the king.
TRICARE is an EARNED Benefit–not an entitlement. If our nation's budget is in such a poor state that we "Must" revoke earned benefits, then I will cheerfully pay my share, provided that POTUS and Congress get the same retirement benefits as I do, that every last Druggie and Alcoholic is off SSI, and that those who can but will not work are off welfare.
Please look up Congressional Retirement & Health Care:
Congressional Retirement Plan: http://www.factcheck.org/2007/12/congressional-pe…
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL3…
Congressional Health Care: http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?…
http://www.costello.house.gov/issues_MythsFactsHe…
Their benefits are actually worse than ours.
Let's see Gen Dempsey(and obama), you are treating us retirees just like your friends treated the retirees after Vietnam. Now as then-you blow smoke out of your backside and pretend you care about us. We would have more respect for you if you just told us you don't give a damm. You give your illegal alien friends(voters) free medical care but we keep getting told we are not paying our fair share. Dempsey/obama-tell us what exactly is their fair share?
I hope that vets thinking 0bama has their back do not get sucked into voting for him. Bush had the VA on track, not 0bama, now, I filed my claim in May, and still they have not made a decision! Change in 2012 to a man of the people, not a man/family of the vacation. I personally watched the white House waste $68M+ of taxpayer money because they decided to change travel plans for political gain.
Most of us understand the dire fiscal issues our nation faces. That said until a real PRIORITY review of those run away expenses is underway with real reductions in low priority exposures (Cowboy Poetry, 16 Vacations for Potus in 3 years, etc) is enacted then do not expect much support from the retired warriors of this nation!!!!
I make a pittance of a retired salary since I spent all of my military career as a national guardsman. All of my time in service was done through weekends and not full time. I have yet to get any kind of notice as to what my co-pays and meds will be in the future. This whole thing stinks to high heaven. There aren't any of those of high positions in the military or in Congress that have been straightforward with our health costs. Even my own senator sent an email trying to gloss over what is to come. His email basically is telling me to suck it up. How about if he and all of his cronies suck it up as well. Time to get rid of those that aren't truthful and put those that will not only be up front , but those that will fight tooth and nail to see our premiums, meds, co-pays and other health costs not go up a dime. At least we know who they are and we should vote them out, and put those that take over accountable when making decisions for active duty and retirees.
Just wait until Obamacare hits you between the eyes!
If this , in any way is enacted, we will never see a pay raise ever! Our COLA's will never make up for all the money that will be taken away each year. We will make less and less money each year.
Let's say we get a 3% COLA, for me that would be about $50 increase. If health costs go up, say 7%, and I am paying $840 a year Tricare. 7% of 840 is $58.8!
I end up making $9 a month less than I did the year before!
WTH! If this keeps up year after year, I can be making $1200 a year less than I am currently making after ten years!
What happens in the years we DO NOT GET A COLA and the insurance costs STILL GO UP? WE LOSE BIG TIME! This is a bad situation folks!
Those of us on Medicare are in the same position. When ever we get a cola, the cost of Medicare goes up more than the cola. I could handle this more if the "millionaires" in congress would not get a large pay raise while they are saying we don't have enough money to pay the military. I also agree about welfare. I know people on welfare who could get a job, it's just that it's below their dignitiy.
???
You get a $50/month pay increase. that equates to $600/year.
TriCare goes up $58.80/year. That means your income goes up $541.20/year.
This is NOT to say I am in favor of this proposal – because eventually the numbers DO get worse – after many years. But please folks, let's get our facts right.
And remind them:
NDAA 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
"Title VII – Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A – Improvements to Health Benefits
Section 701 –
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Limits, beginning with FY2012, the increase in the annual DOD patient enrollment fees to the percentage by which retired pay is increased."
Yep, you are correct. I apologize for my really bad math. Thanks for correcting me
SORRY TO PILE ON…
Your pay goes up montly; the cost of the medical would go up annually.
Again COLA is not a pay raise, but to maintain with the cost of inflation….
The government/military has way to many free stuff to offer and ya wonder why we are in debt.
Bring back 75% tution for the active duty…if they recieve a degree(s) on active then they don’t get the GI bill to pass to their kids…It not a way to keep airman in; it’s a way to help fund thier kids education. What other country allows the governement to pay for their kids education.
Require active duty members w/dependants to pay some type of small co-pay..to offset administration cost. They still get proirity, they still get the same PCP. But it may free up the time and manpower other emergency and not the fever appointments. Plus this will help cover the cost of medical folders and the printing of 6 pages of pre-admit paperwork.
Still with them raising the cost of enrollment fee and yearly rates will not solve the real promblem…it will just give them more money to waste on other programs or weapon system…it will not stop the bleeding for long.
Bring back the Draft!!! every male between 18-25 must serve 2 years…will get the GI bill after 4 year served; if served in combat/remote location will get to use right away. Can not use education benifits until 4 years serve and then can only can use one or the other. Raise the TA limits by 25% from the current limits. But require members to pay 25% of the cost of there education. Then the member can take a couple more classes with out having to use TOP UP; but of course this will require them to pay for 25% ofthere education. Reward members when they complete a under graduate degree with a 3 day pass;
Again how much of the budget goes to funding education; how much is spent on routine family appointments, shots. medical drugs.
There is so much waste in the military it is just wrong; how many visits do we need from our elected officals/senior rated oficers, CMSGT to ask if we think he/she is doing a good job only to be advised to watch our comments.
I have no problem paying my share NOW…however will I be able to pay it later when I’m retired
That's what that SOB is trying to do to us!!
I RETIRED 45 YEARS AGO AND ENJOYED MY TIME IN THE OLD NAVY AND TODAYS NAVY IS A DISGRACE TO ME. I WOULD NOT SPEND AN HOUR WITH WHATS GOING ON NOW. I BLAME THE SEC. OF DEFENSE, THE PRESIDENT AND THE DEPARTED CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEF OF STAFF. WONDER HOW MANY CONGRESS MEMBERS WILL HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING. KEEP GIVING ALL THE MONEY WE PAID IN FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND GIVE IT TO ALL THE ELLIGALS WHO ARE IN THE USA'.
Interesting times! We will continue to see big changes in the medical care arena. This is something that will probably roll us all into the "National Affordable Healthcare" program which has already been passed into law. Soon, we will all get a list of "approved" health corporations to choose from and we will likely get a tax credit to pay for this. Come on folks, we do not have to be a rocket scientist to see this is the only way for the government to get out of the health care insurance business and save a bunch of money to pay the national debt. It has already taken place and most just do not want to admit it or realize it.
vote republican or we will be stuck with obama for four more years.
Gut the military again. Get use to it guys and gals. The military only thinks about our well being while the action is taking place. At 74 years old and Army Retired with four tours in Vietnam I am disgusted with it all. Not much room or time for us to maneuver to recover additional loss of our military retired benefits. God help this country.
Just keep sending the emails MOAA.org has provided and meeting in person with your Senator and Congressman. I send four emails a day to them. We have to stick together on this and not waver. We "EARNED" these benefits. Key word being earned.
DOD has been trying cut or take away, from the military, and military retires medical benefits and our other benefits for years, now the camel’s nose is under the tent. We are in for dark days; why doesn’t’ the President look at cuts for the moochers on welfare, cutting all aid to illegal Aliens, aid to mothers that have more than two children out of Wedlock, or cutting Ear marks. (Ear marks amounts to billions each year.)
Show you are a patriotic American vote Republican! (Even if you gag while voting.) Anything is far better than the, America and our military hating Obama and Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco values Hippie. With four more years of Obama, Pelosi, and the Harry Reed regime our Great Country will be broke, and a third rate country.
Correction to Coho 1938
DOD has been trying cut or take away, from the military, and military retires medical benefits and our other benefits for years, now the camel’s nose is under the tent. We are in for dark days; why doesn’t’ the President look at cuts for the moochers on welfare, cutting all aid to illegal Aliens, aid to mothers that have more than two children out of Wedlock, or cutting Ear marks. (Ear marks amounts to billions each year.)
Show you are a patriotic American vote Republican! (Even if you gag while voting.) Anything is far better than the, America, OF THE AMERICA, AND OUR MILITARY hating Obama and Nancy Pelosi, the San Francisco values Hippie. With four more years of Obama, Pelosi, and the Harry Reed regime our Great Country will be broke, and a third rate country.
All of us who have served this country in various wars, mine was two tours in Vietnam, are smart enough to recognize when we've been shafted. I intend to give my future representatives one term to prove themselves and if they let me down I'll vote against whoever runs against them in the next election even if it's a yellow dog. Can't be any worse.
I wrote to both my Senators and my congress man .My Congress man was the only one who replied, his answer was”, We must all sacrifice" which basically means I got mine Jack buzz off”!
We have "the assurance""they will do their best" to give us the maximum benefit.Now those of us who are retired and the rest of the civilized civilian world should" hold their political feet to the fire"like they were standing on the tarmac in full parade gear during June week at the Academy or in Boot Camp at Paris Island in August" to give the soldier and his widow their due",like Lincoln suggessted and or inspired.MOAA and AUSA thank you!!!
edit……. Not to treat our leaders as WEST POINT cadets(No offense really)but as the sworn commissioned military and civil officers they are".Hold their feet to the fire"and respectfully, with every right expect them to meet the high standards on providing Military Healthcare that they expect and demand of the rest of usus in all of our duty.President Lincoln exhorted "Charity towards all", let`s hope that includes our families and our wounded, and if you don`t like the word Charity give us Jstice on this important natonal security and readiness issue the Tricare Military Health Care Program..
The best way to cut back on medical costs is to quite sending us to places where we get shot at, bombed, sprayed on by our own planes or where people hate us. If each of us had an office on the national mall, with staff, and went on fact finding trips to Paris we would not need so much medical support. Cut the cause not the solution!
just this to say.
if we have to pay extra out of pocket and some of us are looking at reduced benefits. why do our senetors and congressman not also take a fee hike and reduced retirement benefits ? why is it always our men and women in uniform that have to pay for when our country cannot control it's debt.
You can thank Obama for stealing money from programs so that he can throw it away. If Tricare worries you, think about how Congress and Obama are stealing dollars from social security funds to fund his political payroll tax cuts. I don't think most people realize what is going on in this government. If they did they might wake up and realize Republicans are the least of their worries. What you have here is president who is behaving like a dictator. God help this country if he is re-elected.
Wars over. Screw the military!
@USARMY – i'm ONLY a civilian and i don't know your rank nor what all you did while on active duty IF you served in combat, or should i say IF you were ever IN the U.S. ARMY. If you were, then i thank you for your service. If you were active duty at one point, then thank you for giving us the freedoms we all enjoy, including yourself to be able to post your very disrespectful comment regarding OUR military!! i bet you've also burned our flag too. NO ONE has that right to do so, including YOU!! YOU ARE A DISGRACE to our country as well as TO OUR MILITARY!!
Also, where did you get your information that the war is over? the Sunday comics? i hate to be the bearer of bad news sweetheart but the WAR IS NOT OVER!! don't you watch the news on t.v. or read the newspaper? or listen to the news on the radio? we have a war still GOING ON IN AFGHANISTAN!! it's been going on for years!! and NO ONE HAS BEEN SENT HOME YET. hopefully in the future they will be. i guess you haven't heard of the hundreds, if not thousands, who have been KILLED because they GAVE THEIR ALL as well as those still serving!!
i believe another war or two are brewing (that means if things don't improve, meaning if the countries don't stop making what they're making – read all about it in your newspaper).
with all this in mind, you OWE a sincere apology for your demeaning, disgraceful, disrespectful post!! if you don't feel the need to do so, then i feel sorry for you.
Its to blame on both Republican or Democrats. For 40 years both parties have been robbing and deceiving the American public. They have perfected the art of lies and deception like a nuclear science. Wake up people while the Republican and Democrats appear on the surface to not get along on many issues they can all agree on one main common ground, not tell the American public the truth and give the appearance they are actaully doing something. Just like government workers not being held accountable the same is for Congress and Senate. Basically there is not control or accountability anywhere in government anymore. When ATF agent Brian Terry is killed through the own stupid government he worked for is a sad day in America. Its happening everywhere in Government. Government is to big and corrupt and the working taxpaying private American citizen is the whipping post for lazy government workers.
Lazy Goverment workers? I worked my ass off for 21 yrs, and can hardly get out of bed some mornings. Your the OWS type arent you?
you are wrong. democronies are definately not taking care of our military.
every democrat in my life has slashed military spending and cut alot of good people. were you even in the military? does not sound like it.
Seriously? UN or NATO take over? yeah, and the rivers will run red with the blood of the occupiers. General Yamamoto said this….I would never invade the United States, there would be a gun behind every blade of grass. Maybe you should move to the DPRK and "live the good life" Fool.
"Where's my money?" what money? "Obama money" Entitlement programs are a waste…..
YOUR ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. I THINK ALL THE DEMOCRATS LIKE DAVID LETTERMAN, PALOSI, THE PRESIDENT, AND SUCH SHOULD BUY AN ISLAND, MOVE THERE AND LET US REPUBLICANS FIX THIS COUNTRY.
Absolutely, there is no need for Social Security or Medicare, which account for almost 1/2 of the Federal Budget.
Be careful what you wish for …
If you want to know what the force stucture is going to look like, look back in history to the draconian cuts from 1973 to 1989. A huge RIF, few pay raises and a HUGE reduction in combat effectiveness. When the war is over they just don't need you. Face the facts the over recruiting, over promotions, and huge benefit increases in the past decade dictate a smaller military force in the future. And, that future is NOW.
The cuts from 73 to 80 you mean. The Reagan years were good years to be in the Army.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT. I ENLISTED IN 1981 AND RETIRED IN 2002.
REPUBLICANS TAKE BETTER CARE OF OUR MILITARY.
I usually don't reply to comments like yours; guess the last part of your name "Dong" tells it all. It's obvious that you never served in the military. Maybe you are one of the potato chip eaters sitting at home with your family while some of us were serving in some God forsaken country not knowing if we would ever see our family again. It's true that all didn't serve in combat and some had soft jobs, but it takes many behind the line to support just one on the front line. Your suggestion of the UN or NATO taking over America is completely out of line. Again it's obvious that you know nothing about how they operate. To think that I served my country for 21 years, sometimes in a combat zone so that you could have the freedom to spout such trash. God help us if you ever have your say.
i have read a lot of stupid comments on these blogs over the years, but your's has to be in the "top 10" all time ridiculous, moronic statements that have ever been posted. You say that the draft needs to be brought back and I agree. Then after you get drafted and serve a couple years maybe you'll see just how ignorant your statement is. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that you might not be eligible for military service because it's obvious that at some point you have done a lot of really bad hallucinogenic drugs and probably still do them today.
When I entered the Navy in 1966 I signed a contract and I upheld my end of the contract. Now after serving over 22 years on active duty, the government believes they can renege on their end of the contract. If this were a private company reneging on a union contract you can bet that the company would be hauled into court. Unfortunately, we in the military don't have that option. Our only option is to send a message to all those in congress and the WH that our turn will come in November when we can "vote the incumbents out" and change the face lof government. Maybe someday there will be independent candidates who truly serve the American people and not the special interest groups. But, until then it is our duty to vote the incumbents out every election and enforce term limits on all politicians in both parties until the most senior person in congress has less than four years in office.
You got one thing wrong. You said incumbents, did you mean bums?? The retires need to start there own union, union of all retires banding together owning to no one except fellow retires, voting togeter for whats good for us. It would take a while, but the retired force could be a force to behold. We fought wars gentlemen. Now its time for all servicemen to join together and let them no we mean business. Vote veterans in, and vote them out if they get brainwashed by the Bums. Vote only for people we no are God fearing love of country Gentlemen. This nation needs all personnel who have served to save it from the Millionare bums who run the country to suit themselves and there pockets. They for the most part never served and don't no what suffering and love of country means,nor care. john
I understand your frustration and I, too served for 28 years of active duty Navy, but I must ask you where in your (our) "contract" it was written that we would receive no-cost health care benefits for the rest of our life. In my opinion, if we want to continue to receive the best possible medical care, and its cost continues to increase, we must be willing to share some of the burden for paying that cost. We are still getting the best health coverage at a very reasonable cost… lower than almost any other health plan you can find.
Well then why don't you stop using materials and products that were at least 90% paid for by the US military: Computers – or didn't you know it was the military that went form a worldwide total of under 100 to millions of them. COBOL – computer language used by EVERY bank on EARTH – Created by Adm Gracie Hooper (1960), GPS – We had it operational in 1984 – That's right 1984. ALL you lazy civilians on the Earth can't compare with what the US military has given to all the people. Too bad you are so very ignorant. Whatever retard school you went to needs to be sued for theft. They tool money on the pretence you would get an education. YOU DIDN'T HALFWIT.
I was promissed medical care for life but by the time I retired over 20 years later I found I had to pay. If you want a professional miltary to protect this country you must take care of them and keep your promisses. I did my duty now congress must do theirs!
Serve asshole!! When you do 21 years, kill and protect your sorry ass then you can talk. Until then put a sock in your pie hole or your can go to those shit holes and they will do it for you??? Bring it Cup Cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bamalamadingdong; What have you been smoking,or drinking are you brain dead?.We sure as H*ll don't want some third world thug telling us what to do, and that is just what the UN is mostly made up of.
I've got 34 years in the military under my belt… Active, Guard and Reserve. Can't count the amount of 14 hour weekend days, trying to do a months work in 2 days time … but, I can't believe I'm wasting 3 minutes answering such a stupid posting as this. Retired military, surprise surprise are American citizens, too. If your letter isn't just an act of childish provocation, you are a sad and misinformed person. If it is jut a provocation, then you are just sick.
I think you and david lettermen and obama and the rest our the democronies find a nice island to live on and leave us republicans to fix this country.
Guy,
Where did you get your information to make such a one sided statement? Did you serve? I think not ! You are a bitter extreme person! Get help!!!
AMEN lol
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Johnny sees!
Credit to Rudyard Kipling, British Army, 1890 or thereabouts.
i'm so sorry "mad" that you are so UNeducated in your facts. i guess maybe because you weren't brave or courageous enough to serve and fight for OUR country!!
my brother-in-law retired about 10 years ago from the U.S. NAVY after serving 30 YEARS!! he WORKED HIS WAY UP THE RANKS and then RETIRED!! he served ABOARD THE NARWHAL, a SUBMARINE. the sub would go on missions for SIX MONTHS AT A TIME!! could YOU be closed up in a sub for SIX MONTHS, let alone doing that for many years? thank God YOU were never brought home maimed in any way from fighting while in the MILITARY for OUR FREEDOMS!! and thank God your body was never brought home for burial from having been killed in action (KIA)!!
Every single one of our RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WORKED FOR THEIR RETIREMENT, just as any civilian works while employed, for their retirement, except in a different way. our military personnel NEVER sat on their butts at any time while in the military!! if they can't do their job, they get discharged from the military.
Speaking of military personnel, have you ever fed, clothed, or donated money or clothes to a HOMELESS VETERAN? you speak about our "Retired military are nothing but welfare recipients…" ANYONE that receives welfare has to QUALIFY in order to receive it. not everyone gets it, military and civilian alike. some of our homeless Veterans are homeless mostly because when they returned home from serving IN A WAR, their jobs were NOT held for them and, in this economy, it's been very hard for them to get jobs even though they have great qualifications. some of our other Veterans come home after serving IN A WAR suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a normal reaction to an abnormal stressor (combat). just SOME of the symptoms are: nightmares, reliving their battles, higher rate of divorce, alcohol/drug abuse, and SUICIDE. check out PTSD online or at your local library, worth reading!! i've been married to a Vietnam Veteran so i "went to school" (i'm NOT any type of medical professional). thank God you don't suffer from PTSD!!
our country belongs to its citizens, NOT NATO, or anyone else!! do you remember the "pledge of ALLEGIANCE"? "I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…"
Our military is best served by VOLUNTEERS when enough do so, NOT drafting. civilians are drafted, and i agree with this, ONLY when enough civilians don't volunteer. not all Americans are qualified to serve in our military. some people suffer from different medical problems which either would make their medical problems worse and/or would not benefit the military.
You are correct to a certain degree when you said the "military is just as dangerous…." i agree only to that because when a serviceman/woman serves in battle, their LIFE is at stake the whole time they are there.
Voting was started to vote out unwanted elected officials.
I guess you are THE couch "lazy potato chip eating" American that has "become governmentized (correct spelling) lacking vision and intellectually challenged. i feel very sorry for YOU!!
You are a fool! Thinking that military retirees are lazy. We have served for twenty damn years or more.I have served in wars, The Cold War and Vietnam. I have earned those benefits and I do not want them screwed with. I gather that you have never served in the military.
Gen. Dempsey knows what he is talking about. I have talked 6 nephews out of going into the military simply because of the way the military treats it retires. I even paid for one nephew to go to college myself! All are doing quite well. College or technical school is the way to go!!
Why don't we reduce the pay and benefits of the house of representatives and congress along with the president and vice president. Also prohibit retirement benefits after serving only 2 years. Yes, that is right, 2 years and they receive a retirement pention as well as medical, dental, eye and no co-pay. Wow! What a retirement benefit. Wish we in the military could do the same. I put my life on the line for over 23 yrs and I get just 56% of my base pay at retirement. Just under $2000.00 per month as of this month. I have been retired almost 20 years. Also, take into account the Survivor Benefits cost per month of $173.00, My own and family medical insurance of 90.00 per month, then subtract SSAN and Medicare and I am left with just over 1600.00. Oh and I forgot that my ex=spouse receives over 800.00 per month. What is left for me and my family? NOT Much. I would like to see even one member of congress to serve in today's military. They would not survive Basic let along in a combat zone.
Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Retired.
Agreed we need reform on many issues but we need to begin with term limits on elected public officials. We need to remove the blank check of benefits (incl lifelong ones)for just a few years of service. Elected officials should have to earn their benefits just as anyone else in the government (20-25 years for retirement benefits). They should be able to be fired when found negligent or incompetent as well. A term limit should never be a blanket of protection for poor performance or a right to instant freebies. I say give the President,Congress, and the House reps Tricare Prime if they think we have it so good. Just saying………
They do NOT get a retirement for serving 2 years. They must serve 5 years to qualify, and that gets them 8.5% payable at age 62 – same as our Civil Service Law Enforcement Brethren (FERS). After 20 years, they qualify for 34% of base pay (top 3), payable at age 50. As well, they pay (both while serving and while collecting retirement) for medical care (FEHBP). For 23 years of service (your number), they collect 39.1%, payable at age 50. They also pay SBP, same as us (and the Civil Service).
Feel free to transfer to their system, and pay a minimum of $2400/year for your healthcare (plus co-pays and deductibles).
Assuming HR3813 goes through, they will have a retirement accrual of 0.7%/year (vice current 1.7%), and pay 3.4% of their base pay every year to gain that.
Finally, you are aware that Sen Lindsey Graham (among others) is a current Reservist, and has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan?
Congressional Retirement Plan:
http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/RL3…
http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?…
Proposed changes to Retirement (affects Congress) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.38…
Congressional Health Care: http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?…
http://www.costello.house.gov/issues_MythsFactsHe…
Until several MILLION of us show up in front of Obama's Palace, Capitol Hill, and the Pentagon – there isn't going to be any changes – our butts will continue to hurt from all the s——- from the President, the Congress, and the top brass or should I say top ass? As I have said before, all Presidents, Congressional members and Secretary of Defense should be required to live for six months with an active duty unit, before being sworn in, so they can see first hand what military members have to live with on a daily basis.
Feel free to propose a Constitutional Amendment. There is no other way to change the requirements for Congress (spelled out in Article 1) or the President (Article 2). Such a course of action would have no impact on this – due to time constraints (Constitutional Amendments are multiyear efforts).
Better to concentrate on stopping this via Congress's own words –
NDAA 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
"Title VII – Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A – Improvements to Health Benefits
Section 701 –
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Limits, beginning with FY2012, the increase in the annual DOD patient enrollment fees to the percentage by which retired pay is increased."
You know this is exactly the kind of pabulum the Arian, supremacists, separatists, and other unsavory organizations that have the right to free speech will spew because I served to protect them. I little bit of truth sprinkled in with the moronic message of hate and insipid stupidity. I sure hope you never breed.
The only good or factful thing you said in your ignorant rant was that America is lacking real leadership! Oh and by the way……..welfare recipients even have better insurance coverage than your military beneficiaries. You have no clue what you are blabbing about……please educate yourself for your own sake if not for the sake of the general public at large………….my best to you in your journey
I certainly feel we as soldiers deserve more. Our health benefits should not increase.It appears to me, they want us to fight the good fight and pay for our own health care. Now that's a bargain. We need to be careful because the VA is next.
It's shameful to even consider cutting military active or retired benefits while increasing congress and other government workers benefits. Who protects this country, Congressman, postal workers, Federal Park and Forrest Rangers, IRS agents, White House staff, Federal Judges, come on get real.
Proposed changes to Retirement (affects Congress) http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:H.R.38…
Federal employee and congressional retirement are on the cutting block as well.
Our current military leadership (Generals) are displaying a YES man attitude and all deserve to be fired. I strongly suggest taking all military retiree benefits out of the defense budget and put them in an agency that cares. We all need to get involved.
A cynic might question if they are braving the cause until 2013; Obama and his two tone playhouse isn't fooling anybody. When a US Army General was displaced with such casual retort from the media rather than a follow through inquiry, as during Vietnam, it sends that message! "They" are in it together .. the rest of us?
TROLL!! means no legitimate opinion worth listening to.
One of the cool things about my 26 years of service was that I swore to uphold and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic…As repulsive as your comments are to me, it is for people like you that I and those that chose to serve (and are choosing to serve) do so. I am personally disgusted by what you say, but I was willing to give my life in order to allow you the freedom to live, think, and speak as you do. You're welcome.
Is this Mike? My friend from high school that got turned down by the Navy? You've always been a joker.
Anyways, I hope you forgave me about that night with your mom.
Bri
ya know dude, you're right. we need to get rid of the benis and bring back the draft. AND i personally recommend your happy butt to be the first in line to be cannon fodder. dick head
Dear Mr. or Mrs. Negative nancy nay sayer haters against the Military and Government employees, how bout we let those murderin rapist inmates we lazy Government workers house, to protect you and your family, and the Terrorists our Military serve to police all get together and move in with you and you can house them yourself you Jackass!
Enter text right here!The history of military health care shows that care provided to active duty members was originally paid for by the members as far back as 1799.8 In that year, Congress enacted legislation for the military establishment to care for the “regimental sick” as well as an act for the “relief of sick and disabled seamen.”9 Later changes provided permissive care to dependents and, later still, to retirees and their dependents. However, at no time were military retirees provided an entitlement to care. In 1956, Congress put the permissive nature of this benefit into law:
“… a member or former member of a uniformed service who is entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay may, upon request, be given medical and dental care in any facility of any uniformed service, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff.10 [Emphasis added.]“
Get a grip guest1234 its part of the enlistment contract GOVERNING –The new ALL VOLUNTEER PROFESSIONAL FORCE There is a reason the US Military hasnt had 2 or 300,000 men & women killed over the last 11 years todays force all though not better men and women than previous wars, are better trained and focused on staying alive and how to do so, including the Military Medical Corp across the board. Please dont apply the current force to any other time in history. I yes I have undying loyalty and respect to past generations of warriors who helped it become what it is today. Today a good buck Sgt. can run a Company and be welcomed as a Captain in almost any other Army in the World except maybe Great Britain
I get a 440% increase in TRICARE Fees over the next 5 years and Gen Dempsey supports that. Here is why………….The USA Today reports that the new pension plan for three- and four-star Generals/Admirals who retired in 2011 will have a 30-60 percent increase in their retirement pay. A three star with 35 years of duty will have an increase of $39,000 to $169,200. A four star with 38 years experience will get $219,600 or an increase of $84,000, or 60 percent. There are 146 three-star officers and 44 four-star officers receiving this expanded pension.
Actually, this was put in place in 2007, when Sec Rumsfeld proposed expanding the retirement form 30 year 75% max to 40 year 100% max, in order to retain talent at the top. Not that I ever saw the military have a problem filling FO/GO positions. We went for close to 100 years filling all the FO/GO slots when the cap was 75% max of base pay. Maybe we should save some money by going back to that?
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/02/military-re…
Please come and visit me and I will show you a retiree welfare couch sitting potatochip eating lazy person is like. But before you leave I will provide you with $1.28 worth of copper coated lead.
bamalamadingdong– I assume your troll comment equating military retirement and health-care is meant to stir up some controversy, and it has. I agree with almost all of the replies above, particularly CSM (R). Not only are the outrageous fee increases for Tricare a direct insult to the sacred service of military retirees and active duty service-members, they are exactly the reason CSM (R) is correct. Military retirement, and Tricare benefits do not belong in the defense budget. They are a contractual debt already owed by the nation and need to be administered as such–not used as a political football.
i am truly amazed at your idea of the military. if it weren't for those who did their 20+ years in, than the majority of the new service members that came in after us would not be trained in their jobs, be a bunch of bungeling idiots trying to defend our country.
you must be a moron to say the things you have. that or you were either to stupid to pass the ASVAB test, found incompetent, or to friggibg lazy to get of your sorry butt to join. probably, you were going to collage at the time because your misguided, pot smoking hippy parants were worried that "little jonny" might get hurt. you should have been first in line to join. i did my 20 years, happy to do it and gladly do it again. the only thing you have given up in your sorry life is dessert. and by the way, it was idiots like yourself who voted our poloticians into office because you thought you deserved all the free stuff they promissed you just to get your vote. and if you want to complane about my grammer or spelling, go ahead. i screwed up in school, MY FAULT. but i can go to my grave with a clear contious because i did my part in the defence of my country, whats your excuse?
You are an absolute worthless PUKE!!! Ray Charles could read your article and tell you never served a day in the military. Had you, you would have endured countless ass whoopins with your "tude". You do not have the right to give your opinion since you never placed your sorry ass in the front of the enemy to protect the rights of worth American, of which you are NOT! Don't even look my way you sorry excuse-I spent 3 tours in Viet Nam and 23 years in the military. Never whined and earned every damn benefit that I am currently entitled to. I only regret that all the military spend their time, risk and sacrafice their lives so you can utter such worthless words. If you don't like it here haul ass to another country. Why don't you become a muslim, then we can hunt your sorry ass down. Retired Command Sergeant Major and proud of it!!
Damn Sergeant Major, dont sugar coat it tell that worthless oxygen thief how you really feel!! hooah!!
Wait I almost forgot to let – bamalama___ limp___, to be advised he is walking, talking ,living, proof why I am against the draft, to many like you might slip through the cracks and take up most of the time good NCO'S could better use training our outstanding young soldiers and preparing them to good leaders
what a sorry ass excuse of a troll you are. trying to get people all worked up by spewing worthless comments. try to revolt and see just how the worthless military people defend the country. please please try and revolt.
I hope that the next time there is a need for military action, that you are the first one sent to the front lines. Your message is a disgrace and slap in the face to everyone who has served an honorable career in the U S Military. What a moronic and idiotic stereotype you have conjured up in your mind. I myself spent the bulk of my 24 years in the military deployed from 180 to 220 days a year – or more. I gave my utmost effort, which was also a great sacrifice to my family – who you also kick in the teeth via your remarks. You probably would have gone to Canada if drafted in the 60's or 70's. You would have no doubt become a conscientious objector in WWI, WWII, or the Korean conflict. I believe that you would have defected to the British during the Revolutionary War. You leach your freedom off the backs (or very lives) of those you choose to degrade and insult. I only wish that there was a vaccine that could be administered to you — either to bring you to some sense of reality, or else to cause your butt to grow together while you sleep tonight. But, sleep well, your military service members are awake.
May God bless America by damning the Democrats!
Sometines, people comment on flash point items, so they can feel that they have a life, other than living in the dark basement of their mothers and wishing that their posters on the wall would come to life, so they may find frendship. However consider the source and the comments as this, Men and women die each day so you can live your life of boredom and gloom.
http://www.moaa.org/Main_Menu/Take_Action/Legisla…
MOAA testimony opposing the new fee increases. Quote:
"MOAA Government Relations Director Col. Steve Strobridge (USAF-Ret) was the only association witness called to testify, and he sat on the same panel with Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) Dr. Jonathon Woodson and the Army, Navy and Air Force Surgeons General.
After the Defense witnesses outlined plans for military health programs, including the proposed dramatic increases in TRICARE fees, Strobridge strongly challenged the fee hikes.
Noting defense leaders’ pledge not to impose retirement changes for currently serving people, he asserted, “If keeping faith means no changes for today’s troops on retirement, it’s breaking faith to raise their retirement health fees by $2,000. It’s the same as a $2,000 retired pay cut. And if it’s breaking faith to change the rules for someone with 1 year of service, it’s doubly so for those who already completed 20 or 30.”
"Subcommittee Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) called the Pentagon fee plan “wrong-headed”, and noted the unfairness of having an E-7 with 28 years of service pay more for healthcare than an E-7 with 20 years of service."
“Last year, GAO put out a report indicating there’s $200 billion to $300 billion spent on redundant and duplicative government programs,” observed Rep. Allen West (R-FL). “Why don’t we look at that before we start penalizing people who have given a lifetime of service to this country?” Speaking to Dr. Woodson, West said, “You’ve got to tell [Defense] Secretary Panetta, this is FUBAR.”
Not only is MOAA properly fighting this, but it looks like we have at least 2 congressmen on our side.
To quote Congress' own words –
NDAA 2012 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
"Title VII – Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A – Improvements to Health Benefits
Section 701 –
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) career military personnel and their families endure unique and extraordinary demands and make extraordinary sacrifices over the course of a 20-30 year career, and (2) those decades of sacrifice constitute a significant pre-paid premium for health care during a career member's retirement that is over and above what the member pays with money. Limits, beginning with FY2012, the increase in the annual DOD patient enrollment fees to the percentage by which retired pay is increased."
ROA (Reserve Officer Association) Testimony: http://www.roa.org/site/DocServer/2012_ROA_HASC-M…
Bottom line -they oppose the changes, and provide good rationale for why it should not be changed. They also call for an independent audit of DoD health care.
I have the impression that this big "fee increase" that will soon hit military and retiree beneficiaries has been approved by DOD to help cover the enormous costs of changing TriWest (Tricare) to the higher bidder (albiet shoddy) United Health bunch. What a coincidence that the proposed big fee increases coincide with the catastrophic change to United Health. Check out Tricare's website for details. And then check out United Healths history!! Scary!! Something is really wrong about this deal and the military and military retiree community is about to seriously suffer for it!
free healthcare forever since I came in in 1980. they have tried to worm out of it ever since.
If you came in in 1980, CHAMPUS already existed. CHAMPUS was the predecessor to TriCare. Neither was EVER free.
The only free medical care (still available) has been space-a at MTFs.