Plan would give more death benefits to families of troops

www.starnewsonline ^ | Feb 1, 2005 | Robert Burns

[cmsgop]

Great Idea ,I am all for it. Those guy's and Gals do so much for us.

[Dubya]

Thank you. Its a great thing for us to do IMO.

[Dubya]

ping

[cmsgop]

This is a Tax Increase I would Love to pay.

[Waco]

If the RATS support this, does it mean they've quit supporting the enemy? DREAM ON!!!!!

[Conservababe]

In addition to the higher gratuity, the Pentagon would substantially increase life insurance benefits, Mr. Chu said. The current $250,000 coverage offered to all service members at a subsidized rate under the Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance program would be raised to $400,000, and for troops in a combat zone the government would pay the premiums on the extra $150,000 coverage.

I'm trying to inform myself before committing to this proposal. So, as it stands, troops are offered life insurance at a subsidized rate already? Are they not already insured if they choose to participate? How much are the premiums of insurance?

[cmsgop]

Good Question,Don't know. All I know is without them there is No Us.

[Ranger]

The coverage is paid for by the troops. Private insurance is negated in a war zone KIA, so this is really the only option as we learned the hard way. In total the new coverage would about equal my AMEX Gold card's travel insurance for accidental death and in total less than 20% of the payment for a 9-11 victim.

[uncbob]

About damn time

15 billion to Africa for that So called AIDS epidemic

and we can't take care of our troops families

[Conservababe]

Well, I prefer to not roll myself in emotionalism without knowing the facts.

[Conservababe]

Forget about the 9/11 victim's payout for the time, okay. We all know that it was done to bail out the airline industry.

What I am trying to determine is what is the cost to a military person to take out life insurance for what amount. Yes, I know that it is not covered by private insurance, but subsidized by the government.

[Snickersnee]

$250,000 for a monthly premium of $20.

[Dubya]

I agree with you. Very good post.
I made a whopping $78 a month when I was in the Marines. When I made SGT. I got a raise to $135 a month.

[Ranger]

I actually don't think the $250K rate is subsidized. The retroactive added $150K probably would be for prior beneficiaries, but going forward I don't think so. If it was, I wouldn't have a problem either FWIW.

As to the 9-11 payout of about $2.1 million on average. That was to victims and not an airline bailout. The airline bailout was differnt and more.

Again, I think the important point it that volunteer troops are not mercenaries. They don't do it for the money, but love of country.

Nevertheless, you have to wonder why AMEX Gold has $350K travel, and most Citi Corp visa platimums are around $500, why a soldier can't get life insurance suitable for the 21st century.

[Conservababe]

As to the 9-11 payout of about $2.1 million on average. That was to victims and not an airline bailout. The airline bailout was differnt and more.

No, the money paid to the 9/11 families was a payout so that they could not sue the airlines and wreck our economy at the time.

[Conservababe]

$250,000 for a monthly premium of $20.

I'm thinking that this is a bargain for insurance in a combat zone, that no other private insurance would touch. Am I wrong?

[cmsgop]

WOW are you accusing me of Rolling Myself in emotionalism??????

Because last time I checked 1500 Brave Soldiers Died for us and what we Americans believe. So if they get a Raise Or More Benefits thats fine by me,Raise My F'in Taxes, They died for Us, It's the least I could do, Get It?

[Conservababe]

Calm yourself. You do. I don't. I prefer facts before I make a decision to support a proposal. Get it?

[cmsgop]

Fine You Penny Pinch, Fine By Me.......