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ARMED FORCES NEWS |
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| The Defense Department is again proposing increases in Tricare enrollment fees and copays for military retirees under 65 and their dependents. This year, DoD officials hope to enlist the aid of the Task Force on the Future of Military Healthcare. Although this new panel was created by Congress, its members were appointed by the Defense officials pushing for the increases. Surprisingly, the task force member appointed to represent military organizations, retired Army Reserve Major Gen. Robert W. Smith III, has declared retiree health care a "benefit" rather than an "entitlement." Theoretically, entitlements should not be changed, but benefits can. Smith is the former president of the Reserve Officers Association. The DoD plan is expected to mirror last year’s, with a triple-tiered fee schedule tied to rank, and stepped increases for two years, followed by a tie to federal civilian health care premiums. | |
