Veteran & Military Health Care Costs

by Jim Fausone
Veteran Disability Lawyer

Have you noticed that when the national press talks about the cost of war it ignores the medical costs associated with the military and veterans? The VA budget is a reminder of the prolonged cost of war. A recent analysis of the DOD budget also drives this home.

Costs of the program that provides health coverage to some 10 million active duty personnel, retirees, reservists and their families have jumped from $19 billion in 2001 to $53 billion in the Pentagon's latest budget request. These costs are driving the President to suggest that veterans and those using TRICARE pay more for their health care. The Detroit News reports: "After years of resisting proposed increases for the military men and women who sacrificed for a nation, budget-conscious lawmakers suddenly are poised to make them pay a bit more for their health care."

The current TRICARE fees, unchanged in 11 years, are just $230 a year for an individual and $460 for a family. That's far less than what civilian federal workers pay for health care, about $5,000 a year. If this increase is passed on to retirees, you should expect pressure on VA to continue to raise the costs passed on to veterans.

We will have to remind Washington that the veterans are a unique group that gave the country the best years of their lives and should not now be asked to again bear the burdens of the country. Those who have never sacrificed for the country should do more - not the retirees and veterans.


From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110509/NATION/105090339/Health-care-for-military-reaches-$53-billion#ixzz1Lsxqplu5

To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability lawyer, Veterans disability attorney, Veterans lawyer, or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit Legalhelpforveterans.com