Posted on 03/12/2009 7:10:12 PM PDT by Libloather
Veterans Groups Protest Proposed Change In Coverage For Injuries, Conditions Related To Military Service
Article Date: 11 Mar 2009 - 5:00 PDT
Several veterans groups "are lashing out" at the Obama administration over a policy proposal they say would "dramatically alter" how the Department of Veterans Affairs handles health insurance claims for veterans, The Hill reports. Under the policy, which is included in President Obama's fiscal year 2010 budget proposal, VA would bill health insurers for treatment of injuries and conditions sustained as a result of veterans' military service. Currently, VA covers those costs and bills health insurers only for treatment for conditions unrelated to veterans' military service.
Last month, 11 veterans groups, including Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion, wrote a letter to Obama, saying, "There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide," adding, "While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable." They added that the policy would discourage employers from hiring disabled veterans, increase insurance premiums for disabled veterans and renege on the U.S. government's "sacred obligation" to care for the injuries veterans sustained during service.
Joe Violante, DAV's national legislative director, said, "If I had to point a finger at someone, it would be the Office of Management and Budget." According to Violante, the change would increase revenue by about $500 million from insurance collection on military service-related injuries. He said, "We hope that the administration will back away from this idea," adding, "If our government is not responsible for paying for the wounds of war, what else are they going to do?"
According to OMB spokesperson Tom Gavin, although concerns about policy changes in coverage are understandable, no official proposal is on the table. He said, "The details of the VA budget are being worked out right now and the details won't be available until April," adding, "The administration is committed to providing the VA with substantial resources to provide for our veterans" (Tiron, The Hill, 3/9).
If the government can’t afford to pay for the treatment of our wounded and injured veterans, how in the hell do they think they are going to be able to pay for “universal healthcare” for everybody? Geeesh!
Every vet and relative of a vet in the country better write his/her congressman and tell them what’s what!
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
It has alwats been clear that liberals do not care about the military, the defense budget, border security, defending this nation against all its enemies foreign and domestic and its war veterans.
Could you repeat that, I did’nt get it the first 7 times......
Sorry about that: computer glitch.
Dang good question!
But illegal aliens will be covered, I am sure!
Everyone take a deep breath.
OK
Show of hands - how many of you have actually WORKED at a VA or military health care facility? UH huh. Uh huh - OK none.
A lot of the care given at VA facilities in for NON-service related issues.
“YA doc, got a 20% disability for my bad hand. Now, you gonna look at my (liver, gallstones, etc, etc).
By billing for NON-service connected issues the VA will have more $ to treat those issues that ARE SERVICE related.
Before you flame, I saw this all the time when I worked military medicine...many may think the VA was care of last resort - the current reality it has become the care provider of first resort. As you were.
Sure. The article says they already do that. The proposed change is to make their private health insurance pay for service related injuries.
From the article: Under the policy, which is included in President Obama's fiscal year 2010 budget proposal, VA would bill health insurers for treatment of injuries and conditions sustained as a result of veterans' military service.
So, am I seeing things?
Funny. I distinctly recollect Obama on the campaign trail promising “to care for our veterans.” Just one more of his promises, I guess.
Emperor Frederick the Great of Prussia rewarded his disabled veterans with a Royal license to beg.
If that’s any help...
ping
Veterans for Constitutional Restoration (VetsCoR) has in the past tried to get them involved in politics for their benefit. We used to send a monthly update to them on how things were changing for the worse, but they ignored that. Dollar late. Instead, they just wanted their own little fraternal organizations and local clubs to hang around.
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