Plan would give more death benefits to families of troops

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

[Buddy B]

This is also in the article...

     Mr. Chu said he was concerned that in recent years Congress had gone too far in expanding military retiree benefits, but he said the proposed increase in survivor benefits was well justified.

     Bigger military benefits that apply mainly to retirees and their families are making it harder for the Pentagon to afford financial incentives targeted at maintaining today’s military, Mr. Chu said.

     “They are starting to crowd out two things: first, our ability to reward the person who is bearing the burden right now in Iraq or Afghanistan,” Mr. Chu said. “(Second), we are undercutting our ability to finance the new gear that is going to make that military person successful five, ten, 15 years from now.”

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* Dr. David Chu is "The Under-Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness".

[Conservababe]

I am not trying to penny pinch. I am trying to get the facts. The first I heard of this was that military family killed in action received $12,000. I thought that it was an outrage since I knew that no private insurance would cover those in combat.

But, the next thing I learned was that insurance was offered by the government at a much reduced rate to military in combat zones. So, I am wondering what this is all about, anyway?

[Conservababe]

Bingo...follow the money trail. Retirees better have a heads up on this one.

[cmsgop]

Yes ,but it seems those Private Insurance Premiums come out of pocket to the Soldier. You might be surprised how much the Army Nickles and Dimes recruits in Basic, I know I was.

[Conservababe]

The only military person who needs a life insurance policy is the one with a dependent family. Now, I would think they would provide the necessary money for premiums, just as in civilian life.

And now I am wondering of health insurance. How does the military/government provide coverage for our troop's families when deployed?

[Snickersnee]

How does the military/government provide coverage for our troop's families when deployed?

It's called "TRICARE." It is a comprehensive nationwide HMO and enrollment is free. It usually lasts some months beyond discharge from active duty. Do a Google and see.

[Orlando]

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D) of Florida was on Orlando radio news supporting the death benefits increase , and I support it 100%.

Here's another news article that explains Senator Nelson views:
'Democrats call for expansion of death benefits'(FLA-TV NEWS)

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=31676

One word...."Smart"