Obama renews pledge to transform VA

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Just_A_Mom

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From the Military Times:
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/03/military_veterans_programs_031609w/

President Barack Obama spoke Monday about keeping his promises to transform veterans programs and cast that pledge against the personal story of his grandfather, a World War II veteran who benefited from VA help.
Speaking at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which marked its 20th anniversary as a cabinet-level department, Obama expressed confidence in his VA secretary, retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, to fix much of what ails the agency.
Obama said the homecoming of U.S. combat troops as they withdraw from Iraq over the next 18 months will be a “test” of the nation’s commitment to veterans.
“I intend to start that work by making good on my pledge to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs for the 21st century,” he said.
Transformation, he said, began with a plan to add $25 billion to the VA budget over the next five years.
“With this budget, we don’t just fully fund our VA health care program — we expand it to serve an additional 500,000 veterans by 2013; provide better health care in more places; and dramatically improve services related to mental health and injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury,” he said.
“We also invest in the technology to cut red tape and ease the transition from active duty. And we provide new help for homeless veterans, because those heroes have a home — it’s the country they served, the United States of America. And until we reach a day when not a single veteran sleeps on our nation’s streets, our work remains unfinished.”
Obama said his grandfather enlisted in the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and after the war went to college on the GI Bill and bought a home with federal government help. Obama said his mother was born at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., while his grandfather was deployed.
“I think about my grandfather whenever I have the privilege of meeting the young men and women who serve in our military today,” Obama said, because it reminds him of the importance of VA programs.
“So while the mission of this department is always vital, it is even more so during long and difficult conflicts like those that we’re engaged in today,” Obama said. “Because when the guns finally fall silent and the cameras are turned off and our troops return home, they deserve the same commitment from their government as my grandparents received.”
 
Jam,

I guess you didn't see the latest on our current Presidents plans for the VETS
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/news/stories/2009/03/17/veterans_insurance.html

I started a thread about the cuts, but here is a little snippet
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering making veterans use private insurance to pay for treatment of combat and service-related injuries.

The plan would be an about-face on what veterans believe is a longstanding pledge by the government to pay for health care costs that result from their military service.

But in a White House meeting Monday, veterans groups apparently failed to persuade President Barack Obama to take the plan off the table.

“It’s a betrayal,” said Joe Violante, legislative director of Disabled American Veterans, which signed a letter of protest to Obama. “My insurance company didn’t send me to Vietnam, my government did. The same holds true for men and women now fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s the government’s responsibility.”

I see his transformation, and it isn't pretty! My link is from TODAY...MARCH 17TH
Obama said the homecoming of U.S. combat troops as they withdraw from Iraq over the next 18 months will be a “test” of the nation’s commitment to veterans.

I guess we now know what the TEST will be...it will be to see if somebody else will pick up the bill
 
I did see it. The article doesn't sound credible. I would think the Military Times would be all over it.
See if you can find another source and better journalism.
 
This is the link from drudge that sends you to Yahoo.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/200903...s_plan_to_charge_wounded_heroes_for_treatment

I hope that makes you feel more confident that it is real. This was an open letter from the Commander of AMERICAN LEGION to every politcal editor. The Yahoo link is for the Politico.com

He made some very valid points
The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.

As a recent retired military member spouse, I know that Bullet went through at least 4 exit physicals regarding his disabilities. It is a tricky situation because your claims are a matter of record...smaller companies can say that it is pre-existing and will not cover the condition and now the VA member will spend their life trying to get proper care because of this
 
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Thanks Pima.
I certainly hope they discussed other issues. Still no quotes from anyone in the adminsitration - it's all from the AL Commander. This won't go anywhere, it will be dead on arrival in committee if it ever gets there.
Wonder what Shineski has to say - he is supposed to be looking out for Vets.
Anyone seen a quote from Shineski or anyone else in the administration?


However, given the current state of affairs of the VA system. Our veterans could possible be getting better care if they were allowed to use their private health insurance.
I don't know if Bullet has a federal job or is a contractor but if he is eligible for federal health insurance would it not be easier than schlepping to the VA?
 
First JAM

Bullet, Myself (21 years retired) and My wife (100% S/C Disability), and many others here entered the military with a contract. Mine said serve twenty years and you will be "entitled" to healthcare for life. Around '91 they changed that deal and introduced "TriCare Prime - Standard - etc. For the first time a premium was added. We pay about $460 a year for the family to use "Prime". I don't argue about that because I know the cost/benefit still far outways what my private employer provides. That was not the Deal though. I would have served either way, but this is wrong!!
 
Oh and hate to shatter another misconception, but we still use the base hospital or a Tricare provider....Not the VA. Wife is 100% S/C and has almost never used VA treatment. That is not to say the care is sub-standard, she just chooses another route.

I have heard the VA stories too, but discount many of them. They handle a very large number of patients, and some with very difficult problems. Thing is If you served 4 years and were honorably discharged you maybe able to fall back on the VA. It burdens the system (not saying they dont deserve the care), just most people only see the horror story designed by the media to advance their own position.
 
Thanks Pima.
I certainly hope they discussed other issues. Still no quotes from anyone in the adminsitration - it's all from the AL Commander. This won't go anywhere, it will be dead on arrival in committee if it ever gets there.
Wonder what Shineski has to say - he is supposed to be looking out for Vets.
Anyone seen a quote from Shineski or anyone else in the administration?


Isn't the VA Secretary from "the administration?"

VA Secretary Eric Shinseki at the hearing said that the plan was "a consideration," and noted that it was included as a revenue-generating provision in the department's proposed budget for 2010. Shinseki also said that "a final decision hasn't been made yet"

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=57522

:thumbdown:
 
Sorry; but any promises Obama or his staff makes; I don't believe him or hold my breath for. I see a more socialist society coming, and that's all I believe he guarantees trying to do for us.
 
My point TPG, but just because you are ready to give away and earned benefit to the lord high Obama don't expect me too do it gleefully!!!
 
You are correct it was Sep '80 and while I wont be able to quote chapter and verse, I can tell you it was the understanding at the time. You can play games with it and try and justify it any number of ways, but it was presented that way. I accepted the changes in the 90's and have long believed the government would find a way to erode and deny this benefit. Like I said before I would have served with the benefit or without. I just believe there are a lot of other places to begin cutting back. Oh and this does make me fighting mad!!
 
First ds52262 - I carried a Military ID card for 22 years. My dad has been retired for 36 years. I understand the military medical system - except his flight surgeon never came to the house - we waited in the clinic with all the enlisted kids.

Luigi - what was in the news was simply a letter issued by the American Legion summarizing a meeting. It was not journalism but a pre-emptive strike by the AL.
What I am looking for is a press release or comment in a press conference by a member of the Obama administration. A quote by Shineski from a meeting doesn't cut it.

TPG - my example was bad - sorry Bullet, in that he is retired. Not all veterans are retired or live near VA hospitals.
I was not intending to pass judgement on the quality of any VA hospital. However, there are a number of Veterans who must travel long distances for medical care.
If one has a job with health insurance the insurance from the job could be the primary payer with the VA being the secondary payer and have the Veteran us the civilian medical system.

As far as retirees - I fully get what you were "promised". Lots of Americans were made promises too. Retired auto workers were promised health care for life if they worked through retirement. Much of that has been taken away. One reason why GM is going under is that they are contracted to fulfill promises.
The situation is health care costs have ballooned in the past few years. Resources are limited.
If someone retires at 38 or 42 and begins a second career and has access to a good medical benefit package and used that insurance as primary and their tricare as secondary insurance then this would save use tax payers oodles of money. Access to medical care would not suffer.
Out in the civilian world these kinds of requirements are not uncommon. Quite a few companies won't insure a spouse if they have insurance where they work. Double insurance is just not very common anymore.

If the savings can be pumped back into the VA system to help it provide better quality, more efficient care then I am all for it.
 
Luigi - what was in the news was simply a letter issued by the American Legion summarizing a meeting. It was not journalism but a pre-emptive strike by the AL.
What I am looking for is a press release or comment in a press conference by a member of the Obama administration. A quote by Shineski from a meeting doesn't cut it.

What "you are looking for" has now changed since your last request, which was:

Just_A_Mom said:
Anyone seen a quote from Shineski or anyone else in the administration?

I provided the "quote" you asked for. Don't change your request ex post facto.

:wink:
 
“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.”

Feel free to read about it here:
http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/crsreports/crsdocuments/98-1006_F.pdf


You and I may not like it, but that is not the point. The point is that it was never guaranteed and those who said that it was lied.


My hubby is entitled to DENTAL CARE????? holy crap!!!! The clinics on base told him to have a good life when he retired... If this is the case then he can have his root canals on base??
 
If the savings can be pumped back into the VA system to help it provide better quality, more efficient care then I am all for it.

If they are gonna turn everyone away to civilian care then why have a VA system???
 
My hubby is entitled to DENTAL CARE????? holy crap!!!! The clinics on base told him to have a good life when he retired... If this is the case then he can have his root canals on base??

Its all space available.. I've never been able to get in anywhere...
 
Oh geez, can't wait to hear Gibbs spin this....of course every time I watch those press conferences, I feel like I'm watching a 10 car pile up in slow motion....wow. Thank you American Legion.
 
I watch Gibbs press conferences for the same reason I watch Spike TV.....I enjoy train wrecks.

It's also the same reason I watch Shark Week on Discovery....the feeding frenzy.
 
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