Pentagon Health Care Proposal: Vets Pay More
NPR: Pentagon Wants Vets To Pay More For Health CareIn the battle on Capitol Hill over federal spending cuts, one targeted group poses a particular quandary for Republicans and Democrats alike: working-age military veterans. Many are enrolled in Tricare Prime, the Pentagon's managed health care program for retired service members. Since Tricare began 15 years ago, its beneficiaries have never had a hike in premiums. They pay $460 a year - about one-tenth what other federal employees pay. Now the Pentagon says it's time for a change. ... Defense Secretary Robert Gates ... said the fee for Tricare Prime family coverage should be raised to $520 a year - an increase of $5 a month (Welna, 3/16). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.