March 30, 2012
I am writing to urge you to oppose the Administration's budget proposal to
dramatically increase healthcare fees for most military beneficiaries.
The proposal would triple fees for working-age retirees over the next few
years, and establish a new enrollment fee for Medicare retirees, over and
above their Part B premiums. The plan would also double pharmacy copays
for fiscal 2013 and triple them over five years. As proposed, the changes
would phase in significant fee hikes for nearly every segment of the
military population, including retirees of all ages, drilling Guard and
Reserve members, and currently serving family members.
The number one priority of the federal government is to defend the nation,
and you can only do that by having people willing to serve and taking care
of those who have served. We owe a debt of more than just gratitude to
them.
Please keep the faith and oppose these proposals which do not recognize
how much of a premium has already been paid upfront by the armed forces
when they put their lives, limbs, and mental health on the line for the
safety of the country, every day and year after year.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding TRICARE for military beneficiaries. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue and welcome the opportunity to respond.
As you may know, as part of a budget request to Congress for Fiscal Year 2013, the Obama Administration has proposed an increase in TRICARE fees for retirees, including older retirees covered by TRICARE for Life, as well as higher drug co-pays for all TRICARE beneficiaries. It is important to note that President Obama's FY 2013 budget request for TRICARE is primarily a suggestion, as the constitutional authority to fund this program rests with Congress.
TRICARE currently covers about 1.6 million military beneficiaries and their families, making the current growth in coverage costs much faster than the financial resources available through annual revenues. While some reasonable and modest increases in certain areas of military health care should be reviewed, I agree that any major increases or changes are unacceptable.
I understand your concerns for quality and dependable health care coverage. When brave Americans make a decision to volunteer for service, they entered a sacred agreement with this government. Part of that agreement was that their medical needs would be met, and we need to uphold that promise. As Congress continues working on federal funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2011, please know I will work with my colleagues to ensure that TRICARE remains a sustainable and affordable health benefit for our military retirees and their families.
Again, thank you for contacting me. It is an honor to serve you in Washington and Oklahoma. If you would like more information on issues, or would like to share your thoughts with me via e-mail, you may visit my website at http://sullivan.house.gov. Please do not hesitate to contact me again should you have further concerns on federal legislation or programs.
Sincerely,
thumbnail
John Sullivan
Member of Congress
Rep. Sullivan,
Thank you sir for your response and followup up on this matter. I understand the reality of the situation and that there may be a case for modest cost increases. All too often, the plight of veterans is at the mercy of whatever serves a political utility at the time.
It would be extremely unfair for veterans to be expected to pay more out of pocket when at the same time benefits are increased for government employees and SEIU union members.
It is my hope cutting of wasteful pork programs, ending government bailouts, and stopping the unconstitutional uses of the military would be a source of savings to cover programs promised to service members who have risked their lives and limbs for their country.
Post a Comment