By Peter S. Gaytan

 

New economic proposals aimed at resolving our nation’s economic crisis put an unfair burden on veterans. The new rules would raise pharmacy co-pays for military families and increase medical coverage fees for veterans. While as citizens we understand that debt-reduction is a national problem, we don’t want to see the federal budget balanced on the backs of American veterans who have earned their benefits through service to our country. Any hikes in fees should be offset by cost-of-living increases in pensions.

 

Under the new plan, there would be a $200 annual fee for retired military families who continue with Tricare-for-Life (TFL) program that supplements Medicare for retirees over 65. TRICARE For Life is available to all Medicare-eligible TRICARE beneficiaries, regardless of age or place of residence, provided they have Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare is the primary insurance, while TRICARE acts as the secondary payer minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. TRICARE benefits include covering Medicare’s coinsurance and deductible. Currently there are no enrollment fees for TFL.

 

The Administration’s plan would also eliminate co-pays for generic mail-order drugs, while instituting a percentage co-pay rather than a small flat fee for drug store purchases. The theory behind this change is that it will encourage the use of less expensive options when buying prescriptions.

 

As a nation, we need to solve our current economic problems. But veterans have earned their benefits through service and must not be expected to shoulder an undue burden in resolving our country’s fiscal crisis.

 

Peter S. Gaytan is the author of For Service To Your Country – Updated Edition: The Essential Guide to Getting the Veterans’ Benefits You’ve Earned (Citadel, 2011), available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other booksellers. He has served as an advocate in securing and protecting the earned benefits of America’s veterans for more than a decade. Gaytan is the Executive Director of the American Legion, the largest veterans service organization in America.