The Frontlines: TRICARE In The Firing Line
The Frontlines: TRICARE In The Firing Line
Spiraling health care costs for military personnel are getting the attention of Congress, and for the first time in recent memory, some action to reduce such costs has been proposed. TRICARE, the health care plan for the military, has been a very expensive plan. A retired soldier pays $460 a year in health care premiums. Active duty servicemen pay nothing. This amount has remained unchanged since Tricare was started in 1995. Civilian employees of the federal government pay between $5,000 – $6,000, in comparison.
President Obama has proposed a 13% increase in TRICARE’s fees. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is about to approve this proposal. If approved by the Senate, the savings of 7 billion dollars over five years is modest. But, for the first time in recent memory, military compensation is no longer untouchable.
If you have a different opinion or comment please post it here, or visit The Frontlines. Also check out Health Care Programs and Coverage to learn more about your veteran benefits. Thank you.
very respectfully,
The “Warrant”
References
The Economist, May 22, 2011
Posted on July 17th, 2011 by The Frontlines
Filed under: health care
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