Obama renews pledge to transform VA

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Yes my wife is 100% S/C with T&P. We have always chosen to remain in the AF healthcare system and use TriCare Prime. It has worked well for us.

I would like to apologize if this is my last post since I appear to have lashed out earlier, but this is an area that is very close to my heart. I would not presume to instruct another retiree and direct his choice of healthcare options. It is also significantly different growing up as a dependent and a beneficiary then it is to be the one whose service earned that benefit. It was EARNED, not granted , but EARNED. Something I don’t expect the President or his administration to understand.
 
Luigi - for crying out loud - I saw the quote - read the article. To whom did Shineski make the quote? It came from the meeting that was held behind closed doors. The "article" was nothing more than a summary of one man's report of a meeting. There was no press release by the White House or Shineski's office that I can find. Calm down.

Maybe I will email him.
 
ds52262 - I understand where you are coming from when you say your benefit was earned. My dad earned his too. Lifetime healthcare is one of the "Prime" benefits of military service. When it was instituted, health care was much cheaper, military hospitals were plentiful and folks died sooner.

My mom suffered for 15 years from a progressive, non-curable disease after my dad retired from his second career. We were all glad that she was covered by Tricare. Tricare took care of her very well and without a lot of out of pocket expense.

For the American taxpayers however, here is the deal. Military retirement begins around age 38 for enlisted and 42 or so for officers. These folks are mostly working another full time job that would offer them health insurance yet the taxpayers are paying to the tune of $15,000/year to cover them through Tricare.
I made up the $15,000/year number but that is what my Blue Cross family plan costs my employer.
If these folks can have access to a good insurance plan - have them use it and give them the option to jump back to Tricare if they need it.
The other issue is retirees are living longer and longer - yay! But..... to cover them fully from age 40 or so requires over 40 years of medical benefits.

Is it reasonable to look at changes? yes.
If they make changes should they grandfather them? Yes.

I know a lot of retirees were cranked up when the change to Tricare occurred - my Dad was for sure. But for my parents it worked out very well. The base hospital they used closed anyway. They would have had to drive 2 hours for care and I think that one is closed now too. With BRAC there just aren't that many medical facilities available. Tricare allows retirees to get their health care on their own economy at the medical facility of their choosing. It's a good deal all around.

Why could we not do something like that with the VA? Allow those entitiled to VA care get their health care needs met at the facility of their choice, close to home?
Why should a military veteran have to drive three hours for a hearing test?
 
I kind of lean toward agreeing with JAM here. I cannot imagine the American Legion preemptive strike covering the issue accurately. The question has to be where will the $540 million savings come from. Surely the private health care insurance lobby will not roll over on this one. While this amount is probably 'peanuts' to them, it is definitely not their responsibility to provide medical coverage for combat and service connected issues for veterans.

However, normal every day issues, hang nails, colds, etc. is another issue. Even major issues, perhaps. Should the VA and the taxpayer be responsible for, say, leukemia, which developed later on in life or should the employee health plan cover it?

If,however, private enterprise and the health care industry embraced this, it could be a win-win for everyone.
 
No, you're right Oldgrad, let's wait until it's law before the American Legion acts. Good idea.


Reaction....that's where we're headed.

AIG gets bonuses, because the government gives them my future tax dollars with no strings (not that they should have been given any money in the first place)....REACTIVE


China harasses U.S. ship in South China Sea....REACTIVE


Russia voices some interest in sending strategic bombers to Western Hemisphere.....REACTIVE (unless you count State's apology the week prior to)


With all that "reactive" tendencies, I can see how people would want American Legion to be reactive too.


"Come up with a better idea..."
Based on the reaction to the crisis now, that's not a bad idea, I can't see many great ideas coming from the Treasury.
 
I remember when i first planned on retiring from the Air Force. I was applying for jobs. Getting a job was not going to be a problem because of my education and training. But I was looking for a career and not just a job. I could afford to be picky. One company I thought I'd be very interested and happy with called me back after an interview to discuss an offer. I was a little surprised at their offer. Especially compared to some of the offers their competitors had given me. I asked that it seemed a little low. Their response was shocking; yet similar of the attitude JAM seems to have. Their response was:

"Well, the offer might seem low, but it isn't really. When you combine it with your Military Retirement and benefits, that's a pretty good income".

I looked at the HR person and was speechless. I collected up my brief case and documents and without saying a word, started to leave. The 2 HR person as well as the person who interviewed me asked if there was a problem. I told them that I make it a point to never "Burn Bridges"; but in this case I would make an exception. I said what retirement, pension, benefits, etc... I received from the military was NON of their business. That what I EARNED prior to walking into their company was of no significance to them. And how dare they try to low ball an offer to me by telling me how much I was worth, by using my existing military benefits as part of THEIR offer. And I word for word told them that they could "Kiss My YOU KNOW WHAT".

Now, when I first entered the military, we actually had contracts. Of course, a lot of that doesn't mean much because they change it anyway. However, it was a contract. If they would like to start NEW contracts with new military members entering the military from this day forward, I'd fight it, but I could understand it. If it had a new health care system in it, so be it. But you don't change anything for those already in the system. And to even suggest that the existing military members voluntarily give up or not use their benefits is disrespectful and ignorant.

And if you want to take the emotion out of the topic; it is better for the economy and country as a whole to work for a company and NOT USE THEIR health care benefits. It allows them to have more money towards their bottom end profit. This goes back to employees, customers, and share holders. The military/government doesn't make profit, so any money not spent is not returned to the taxpayers. It is simply redirected towards other projects that were under funded. So for the country, it's better to use Tricare or the VA than to use a private employer's health care package.

And if a company provided FREE health care without premiums, lower deductibles, and lower co-pays; that would make sense to use them instead of Tricare. That's a financial no brainer. But if your company's health care plan charges higher premiums and/or co-pays and deductibles; then it would be a stupid idea for a person to choose this over using Tricare which they are entitled to. And suggesting someone do this is even more stupid.
 
All of a sudden we're concerned about the U.S. tax payer? We just threw out $1,000,000,000,000.00.

At least you don't have to worry about food when you lose your jobs, there's plenty of Kool-Aid to go around. :rolleyes:
 
For the American taxpayers however, here is the deal. Military retirement begins around age 38 for enlisted and 42 or so for officers. These folks are mostly working another full time job that would offer them health insurance yet the taxpayers are paying to the tune of $15,000/year to cover them through Tricare.
I made up the $15,000/year number but that is what my Blue Cross family plan costs my employer.
If these folks can have access to a good insurance plan - have them use it and give them the option to jump back to Tricare if they need it.
The other issue is retirees are living longer and longer - yay! But..... to cover them fully from age 40 or so requires over 40 years of medical benefits.
Click to expand...


Did I miss something here? When did the American taxpayer get to vote on the salt marsh mouse (150 mil), the honeybees (@150 mil), the mormon cricket (100 mil) the parking lot in Puerto Rico (150 mil). These 4 projects tallies to the equivalent of VA charging private insurers (540 mil). Last time I checked the salt marsh did not put their life on the line day in day out to uphold our constitution. Is Obama now the Pied Piper and these mice will defend our country?

Bullet has tinitus due to the high drone jet noise for 20 yrs. There is no flyer that I know of that has not walked out without hearing disabilities. Are you truly suggesting that his new company pick up the cost that the military caused? He gave 20 + yrs defending every American, and his thanks is sorry you were injured, but we can't afford to give you medical care, because we need to spend 335 million on condoms!

Our President and his wife state that the military family is of main concern. So what does he do? Tell them, that their medical benefits will be cut! Do they understand how medical insurance works with any employer? They have a small cavet that is called pre-existing. I have friends that work for airlines as pilots, they have to use the VA because they have pre-existing conditions. (For Bullet, Tinitus is pre-existing, thus Aetna is not forced to cover that). We, personally elected to do Tri-Care STD and not prime, b/c with Aetna we don't have to fight for referrals, we can call any specialty doc without waiting months for the referral. As a ret. spouse in NoVA over 40, my wait time for a mam is 6 -9 mos, using Aetna I am in the next day.

As far as old grad and a disease later on in life like Leukemia, yes! My father died of AML (Adult Myelonic Lukemia) when he was 57. It was determined during his battle with the diease that Benzene caused it, he was a chemist and spent days playing with chemicals. He worked with Benzene 20 yrs prior to his diagnosis. Nobody knows if in 20 yrs from now JP-8 will cause particular cancers.

Finally, as a retired dependent my children and I were unable to use any base hospital due to the inability to accept new retirees. Here are the hospitals that no longer accept new retirees as of Oct 2008
1. Ft. Belvoir, VA
2. Quantico, VA
3. Prince William Family Clinic (it is only for military, but not on a base)
4. Andrews AFB
5. Bolling AFB
6. Ft Meade
7. Walter Reed
8. Bethesda

We had no other option, but to use Tri-Care and Aetna. OBTW our Aetna program is so good that Tri-Care is never employed. However, that's not the point. The point is our family paid in spades for 20 yrs and now their promise to give us free life time medical care is now in jeopardy and it looks like this administration has decided to balance the budget those that served will pay another toll
 
There are obviously exceptions to all things. I make choices based on what's best for me and my family. The military Dental plan for retires is not as good as that provided by my employer. Plus, my employer's is free of premiums. Thus, I use my employer's. However; my employer's health care insurance is quite a bit more than the Tricare premiums and definitely more in co-pays and deductibles. As such; I use Tricare. That makes financial sense for me. JAM isn't/wasn't in the military, and therefor doesn't really know. I can accept that ignorance. But I don't understand OldGrad. Maybe he was a grad that did a 5 and dive and doesn't understand or appreciate the military. Maybe he's fortunate to have an AIG Bonus Type job where money's not an issue. But I truly believe that his OPINION which we are all allowed, is very uninformed. If the military member has any condition that is covered by the VA, then that is who should cover it. And as already posted; military health care isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the pork the government is spending under the regime currently in charge.
 
I agree with CC...for retirees it is not about being hired and having another insurance company. The govt made a promise and now they are reneging on it. Bullet's company should not have to pick up the cost for medically treating him when the cause came from the military. His company did not cause the problem, thus, why should they have to endure the cost?

This administration is being naive...these private insurers can either say pre-existing (military member cost will be charged to Tri-Care) or they accept and pass the cost along to the employees.

These people agreed to serve with the acknowledgement that they would receive certain benefits. They fulfilled their promise, now they are being told that the contractual agreement is null and void.

Again, I admit we ELECT to use our private insurance, but what burns me is that we will lose the ability to select. The life time free medical coverage for many is the make or break. They may have elected to stay for that reason, to reneg on that promise is disgusting. Military members take pride in keeping their word. Obama's administration should learn that lesson...promise made should be kept!
 
I want to state unequivically that if this administration follows through with this I will be on the next flight to DC to join the protests outside 1600 Pennsylvania. If that is reactive so be it!

LIS I am right there with you. The benefits you earn while serving your countrywith sweat and sometimes blood are no employers business. If a retiree or DV choose to use those benefits it is their business, and no one elses.

It is clear this administration and for that matter this congress does not care what previous contracts or obligations were made. I am no supporter of what is happening at AIG, but these pious politicians flailing around now are infuriating. They knew these bonuses existed, and even made allowances for it when they bailed out the company. If they had done right thing in the first place and saved the taxpayers all that money by allowing AIG to fail we would be better off today.

So when the day comes (soon I'm sure) that I'm standing outside the White House in my old BDU blouse next to an old coastie in blue, or a marine in his camies, or a pilot in his flight suit DONT BE SURPRISED!!! FIGHTS ON!!
 
For all of you that desire to come to DC, our home is open as a soft landing.

This is for everything ...vacations, TDY, and supporting the military.

I recall when Bullet was a O-3 and thinking retirees were whiners. Now I get it...we sacrificed 20 yrs to be told now that the medical conditions incurred as a military member will not be honored.

If our Presidents' Wife wants to state the military family is her number 1 issue than prove it! Messing with the health care removes any credibility!

Before anybody replies in support...make sure you understand the health care program our MOCs get! Do they risk their life in defense of the Constitution...I don't think so...do military members...YES. A freshmam MOC makes 6 figures. a 2nd Lt makes the mid 5's!
 
Christcorp said:
JAM isn't/wasn't in the military, and therefor doesn't really know. I can accept that ignorance. But I don't understand OldGrad. Maybe he was a grad that did a 5 and dive and doesn't understand or appreciate the military. Maybe he's fortunate to have an AIG Bonus Type job where money's not an issue. But I truly believe that his OPINION which we are all allowed, is very uninformed. If the military member has any condition that is covered by the VA, then that is who should cover it. And as already posted; military health care isn't even a drop in the bucket compared to the pork the government is spending under the regime currently in charge.
Click to expand...

Must be great going through life with rose colored glasses considering everyone who disagrees with you as ignorant.

The military retirement budget is continuing to annually take a larger and larger bite out of the budget, a budget that is increasingly under the strain of an almost insurmountable deficit. Retirement will be looked at closer and closer each year, no matter what the politics of the administration happens to be at the time. If we can accept changes that do not cause one cent of change to our income, yet save the DoD budget millions of dollars, is it not prudent that we consider it? The old "I want it just because I was promised it 30 years ago" is nothing but irrational stubbornness.
 
Folks- I don't understand how else to say this other than to be blunt. I don't believe we would tolerate children calling each other's choices "stupid", or insulting other posters with insinuations about the validity of their point of view; their type or length of service, and neither will this thread continue if any more posts are made along those lines. Last warning prior to shut down- keep it civil and rational and factual or don't post again on this thread.
 
tpg - don't you get it yet?

on this forum any discussion that is dissenting in any way from the "group" is simply not allowed. If you dare question or proposition any opposing viewpoint then you get to be labeled anti-military with a certain "attitude" that is not supportive of those who defend our country.
Soon people will be telling you what you think.

Please be careful and watch what you say - you could be subject to this forum's version of McCarthyism.
 
Oldgrad; I never said you were ignorant. Ignorance is not a bad thing. It just means a person doesn't know. With JAM not being in the military, it's possible that she just doesn't know. Thus, is ignorant of what the military person/family has earned and is entitled to. But I never said you were ignorant. In your case, my opinion is you're just wrong. When you consider the risk of life, safety, low pay, instability, and many other facets of the military; then consider the cost of benefits; and then consider the waste of money that the government is spending; it's no comparison. The military members and their families represent a drop in the bucket. Military health care and pensions have absolutely nothing to do with the financial troubles our country is in. Yet, to believe that they should contribute back to pay back this national debt, is wrong.

OG; if you want to talk about the government saving money, then start with the pork and government spending waste. When you have cut all that waste; then come back and talk about the military (In ANY ASPECT) needing to take cuts and contribute back. You're not ignorant.
 
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First of all I would like to expound upon Bruno's post. On these particular threads we should show our maturity and be an example to the candidates/appointees. Insinuating mentality levels degrades the poster. GOLDEN RULE treat others as you would like to be treated. Take a deep breath and then post! I will admit that it is hard to do, but I always try to keep the younguns in mind when I post.

Second, tpg you are correct, nothing was ever put into a contractual form and signed by both sides. However, it has always been drilled in that the medical care was life time.

I recall when the military changed the death benefits in the 90's. Survivor pay was originally based on % of pay for Rank and now it is a flat pay(@1900 pm regardless of rank).

I truly don't have an issue regarding the insurance, except IMVHO it is wrong to shirk off the cost to private when the military caused the medical issue. If you injured yourself in a car accident do you expect your insurance sompany to pay the medical bills or the insurance company for the person that hit you and caused the injury? Of course it would be the person who caused it...how is that any different? The military caused the medical problems, so why should private insurers be forced to pick up the tab?
 
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