Obama VA: Let’s charge vets for care on service-related injuries
posted at 10:57 am on March 12, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
If the Obama administration wanted to come up with the most politically offensive policy it could imagine, within the bounds of reason and reality, what elements would it have to include? Insulting veterans and looking like cheapskates in a time when massive government outlays to private industry would certainly help it along. Comes now Hero of the Anti-War Left, retired General Eric Shinseki, who wants to save a few bucks at the Veterans Administration by making men and women injured in the service of our country pay for their care:
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki confirmed Tuesday that the Obama administration is considering a controversial plan to make veterans pay for treatment of service-related injuries with private insurance. …
No official proposal to create such a program has been announced publicly, but veterans groups wrote a pre-emptive letter last week to President Obama voicing their opposition to the idea after hearing the plan was under consideration.
The groups also cited an increase in “third-party collections” estimated in the 2010 budget proposal — something they said could be achieved only if the Veterans Administration started billing for service-related injuries.
Asked about the proposal, Shinseki said it was under “consideration.”
“A final decision hasn’t been made yet,” he said.
Let’s see. The same administration that wants to give tens of billions of dollars to GM, Citigroup, AIG, and a host of other banks and manufacturers wants men and women injured in service to their country to pay for the medical care that arises from these injuries? In what universe does Shinseki and the Obama administration live, anyway?
And people used to complain that Bush didn’t care enough about veteran care – even though he increased the VA budget by 56% from 2001 to 2008. Bush never offered the notion that the nation should shirk its duty to those who gave their health for the defense of America, especially not in the same week in which his administration signed a record omnibus bill with 8,000 pork items in it. In fact, I don’t think any administration has ever signaled such a policy, mostly because previous administrations weren’t dumb enough to try it, let alone crass enough to consider it an area to save a little cash.
Obama said he wanted to bring bipartisanship to Washington, and he may succeed here — by annoying both Democrats and Republicans. Patty Murray (D-WA) declared that any such suggestion would be “dead on arrival” in the Senate. Richard Burr (R-NC) told Shinseki not to count on that revenue stream. If Hope and Change means dunning wounded warriors, Capitol Hill will say thanks, but no thanks, in as united a voice as one can imagine these days.
It’s just another incompetent moment in an administration trying to set a record for them.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »
The vets won’t be alone, I promise.
hawksruleva on March 12, 2009 at 2:10 PM
Why should this suprize anyone.The left has always treated our men & women of the miltary with distain and no respect.To them they are no more important than the durg dealer or unwed mom or any other group.I just hope Obama trys to do this.
thmcbb on March 12, 2009 at 2:11 PM
You have no idea what it is you’re talking about, it won’t raise your premiums and the DoD has been doing the exact same thing the VA is proposing, for 20+ years.
There was no outrage over DoD doing it, why against the VA?
This is the Third Party Outpatient Collection System and the DoD has used this to collect from insurance companies since the early 90’s: http://www.tricare.mil/ocfo/mcfs/ubo/chcs_systems/tpocs.cfm
No one has gone into a conniption over this, because it ultimately pays the Military Treatment Facilities for the care they provide to the people they insure.
It’s a good idea for the DoD and it’s a good idea for the VA.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I should have known not to agree with the cons here with their usual knee jerk reactions.
I apologize for that.
getalife on March 12, 2009 at 2:15 PM
The only way you could possibly afford to fund a universal health care plan would be through military spending. Obama is going the wrong way. This is kind of my ’secret’ universal health care proposal.
You must train the doctors through the military and expand the VA so that there are facilities convenient and available across the country. All active duty get full coverage. Retired or honorably discharged get a substantial reduced rate for insurance (as incentive to join the military). And the rest of the country will be able to buy into the system as well.
It’s the only way to funnel the massive amounts of money and other resources to such an impossible task such as ‘universal health care’. The only way to do it will be through budgeting health care through the military.
There is no other way other than killing people off when they get sick or bankrupting the country to pay for a flintstone vitamin.
ThackerAgency on March 12, 2009 at 2:19 PM
My Smith & Wesson stock is climbing.
BHO Jonestown on March 12, 2009 at 2:24 PM
Typical Democrat strategy – Screw the veteran….
Viet Nam Veteran
DL13 on March 12, 2009 at 2:29 PM
See: “2004 Democrat Presidential Candidate”
Del Dolemonte on March 12, 2009 at 2:30 PM
John McCain to a lady at a townhall meeting in Wisconsin during the 2008 campaign:
“Maam, Senator Obama is a good American, a good family man; YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM AN OBAMA PRESIDENCY.”
technopeasant on March 12, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Exactly. Like in M*A*S*H* when Frank Burns wrote himself up for the egg “shell fragments” he got in his eye when a bomb went off outside the mess tent and he fumbled his soft-boiled egg.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Soo…how many at any given time does the DoD have under it’s healthcare services? Injured soldiers on active duty? Now how many veterans of all ages are there in the country with service connected compensations? I would venture a guess that there are a helleva lot more guys like me out there; and with these volumes..you can bet your ass there will be backlash from insurance companies….
And who are you to judge who is “malingering”..or “gaming” the system? I can state cases of guys with Purple Hearts who lived for decades with no compensation ratings, yet were having all sorts of health problems; I helped several file their claims……however, God bless you for getting out all in one piece even if you somehow have used your military service to turn into a pompous ass.
norm1111 on March 12, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I have to say I love your posts, but whenever your name crosses my line of sight, for some reason, I see a big green ogre with a Scottish accent talking to his friend…
ladyingray on March 12, 2009 at 3:03 PM
This is sick and wrong.
I hope the man who proposed this dies in a fire when the revolution comes.
Chaz706 on March 12, 2009 at 3:08 PM
This facade has to end now. I can’t take this guy anymore!!!
This complete and utter disrespect!
It would be even more F’d up if Obambi’s going through with this just because of the enthusiasm they showed him that one day.
Oh hey there capitulus, hows your car?
FontanaConservative on March 12, 2009 at 3:09 PM
BHO you’re in Jonestown as in Jonestown Pennsylvania? I live in Jonestown too!
Eyvonne on March 12, 2009 at 3:10 PM
BHO BHO you’re in Jonestown as in Jonestown Pennsylvania? I live in Jonestown too!
Eyvonne on March 12, 2009 at 3:10 PM
If there was one place that an increase in the budget might be justified, it is to take care of those hurt in the defense of our country. I’d be willing to throw out every worthless beaurocrat as trade for this! Does the Obama administration really want to succeed? In addition to driving the economy into the ground, are they trying to provoke the military to mutiny? Are they adopting Pelosi’s San Fransisco values that says use the military where advantageous (her trips) but slight them every chance you get?
Christian Conservative on March 12, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Don’t worry,I have not forgotten at all the democrats that spent the 90’s and up until they voted for the Iraq war telling the world how imminent a danger Saddam was with his WMD/Nuclear capabilities and ties to al-qaeda.
Nobody pushed for the Iraq war harder than the democratic party,and just like Vietnam,they did everything they could
to stab our Soldiers in the back and undermine the mission in pursuit of their political ambitions.
The liberals bogus “Bush lied” theme has been blown to bits by all the Congressional and Independent investigations that found Bush acted on the intelligence he was given,never lied or manipulated intel.
Now that Iraq is a success (unless Obama screws it up),the liberals look even more petty and ignorant.
Biden usually makes a fool out of himself,but I think he had a good point here:
Hard Choices for America’s Future: Strategic Opportunities for a New Century
Baxter Greene on March 12, 2009 at 3:22 PM
What planet is Obama from??????
The only job suitable for him is a barista at an independent coffee shop. Those are about the only people who spout off those kinds of ideas.
herrevery on March 12, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Hell, they may as well charge our heroes for their weapons, ammunition, food and while they are at it charge them for their caskets. That would let the Obama administration save more money for arcorn, la raza and sub-prime loans. ( I almost forgot the palestinians.)
Johan Klaus on March 12, 2009 at 3:30 PM
When is ‘Our American Cousin” next scheduled perormance?
thomasaur on March 12, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Paying for one’s own weapon and gear may not be such a badi idea heh heh. The M16 sucked pretty bad. Anyway, to answer the poster who talked about being high income, I’m happy for you.
While I was in school, I wasn’t. Thanks for my GI Bill btw, America. Now I have a good job.
No one’s asking for a handout.
dogsoldier on March 12, 2009 at 3:35 PM
So, now it is clear for all to see that the Dems tears for the veterans were of the crocodile variety. Another story to be buried without comment in the MS.
PD Quig on March 12, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Actually, believe it or not, this story is on CNN.com. Follow the link in Ed’s post. The Dems in congress appear to be against this as well. This idea belongs to The Precedent and his staff.
ladyingray on March 12, 2009 at 3:38 PM
DoD has over 160 facilities worldwide. They see active duty, retirees and active duty family members.
Here’s a GAO report on how the DoD collected $122 million from insurance companies from FY00 through FY02 and should have collected $42 million more. And this is JUST using data from 35 of the 132 largest facilities, so DoD actually collected far more. Like I said, third-party collections have been going on in the DoD for two decades.
Not to mention, for DoD, one of the main problems is that most beneficiaries don’t divulge that they have other insurance. If people don’t volunteer the information, there is almost no way of finding out and the VA will have the same issues.
So what I’m saying is, you can’t excoriate Obama for extending a program to the VA that’s been in operation in the DoD for decades.
I’ve seen plenty of malingerers and gamers in my 20 years in the Navy and it sickens me. Getting disability payments and disabled veterans preferences when it’s not deserved is every bit as bad as claiming a purple heart when it’s not warranted, worse in some cases.
I was a pompous ass long before I joined the military but it’s helped me quite a bit, thank you.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Injured members of the military should be our primary responsibility.
Johan Klaus on March 12, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Forgot the link to the GAO report: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d04322r.pdf
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Private Pyle, you have got to be s**tting me!!
JohnGalt23 on March 12, 2009 at 3:42 PM
They argue that these men and women shouldn’t have served in the first place. Maybe this is their way of punishing them.
I wonder if they’ll still claim to “Support Our Troops”
Sick.
Ingenue on March 12, 2009 at 3:43 PM
You have no idea what it is you’re talking about, it won’t raise your premiums and the DoD has been doing the exact same thing the VA is proposing, for 20+ years.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I’m retired Navy here – only retired two years ago.
Yes … The DoD has been tapping into private medical insurance for quite awhile – but there HAS been quite a bit of outrage over it. When I was in the Navy – I simply refused to get any other medical insurance. They can’t make you get the insurance – and without it – they have to pay 100 percent.
Now there’s an argument here – that an active duty guy who’s off duty riding his motorcycle on leave – get’s into an accident and, sure why not tap into his private medical insurance if he has it? Why should the government foot the whole bill for an accident that was not service related?
But … This is a bit different here.
These guys ARE NOT active duty. These guys really need private medical insurance because the gov won’t treat what isn’t service related. Now – here’s a guy with a service related injury – it requires treatment and – how do you think his new employer’s medical insurance is going to view that? Knowing that as soon as they take the guy – they’re going to be paying for a service related injury? And in many cases – they won’t even know how much money they’ll be committing to laying out.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 3:45 PM
The military is one of the few Constitutional government expenditures. I would venture to say that seventy five percent of government expenditures are un-Constitutional.
Johan Klaus on March 12, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Let me reiterate here the point … I think this will cause vets with SRI’s to be viewed as having “previous existing conditions” – and may impact their ability to get private health care insurance.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 3:52 PM
I am in the VA system as a disabled vet. To you who are railing against the potential, real in some cases, of misuse of the VA health system. The checks and firewalls are in place to catch them. The system needs to just use it. Even with copies of my service records and med reports, the delay was with the “lifer” employees I encountered, not the doctors or nurses.. I have private insurance and I report it to the VA. but, I’ll be damned if I want my private carrier paying my disability. I earned my Purple Heart in service to this country with the Corps in Vietnam and I expect the country to help us. Sorry, if you think I’m selfish… but bite me! This is really frosting me!
MNDavenotPC on March 12, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Nodonkey
Actually, the DoD has used third party payor action since the 60’s. Where your comparison goes wrong is that the Third Party Outpatient Collection System is used when civilians are involved in an incident when a G.I. is hurt or injured, mostly traffic acidents. In your Tricare example third party comes into play when a retired servicemember has insurance generally through work. I’m retired and when I had a job I couldn’t use Tricare, now that I am self employed I can use Tricare.
Active duty don’t as a rule have additional insurance.
The other breakdown in your comparison is the VA is considering this in service related medical problems, i.e. wounded in combat, etc. Despite your assurance no third party insurance will pay for comnbat related injuries, read the fine print, it’s on all of them.
E9RET on March 12, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Wow! Who’s brilliant idea was this? I’ll give Obama the benefit of the doubt that “perhaps” it really was the General’s idea and not his, but that Obama would even consider it, is obscene!
Susanboo on March 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Eggggzzaaakly…….what I was trying to say to the donkey guy…..thank you…so much…
norm1111 on March 12, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Thank you for your service. Not everyone is so petty about health care. If any of our military folks get hurt while serving our country, I don’t care if it is a football injury, eggshells, or a sprained **** from a wild orgy, they should receive medical care.
Laura in Maryland on March 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
True – no one is making you get the insurance. Nor these guys. That’s one of my points.
I agree, but that’s the same issue as with DoD. You can be a retiree, be service connected and be seen at a DoD facility for a service-connected wound, etc. and if you report a private insurance, they will collect from them.
And this isn’t for trauma treatment anyway, which could be in the six or seven figures. This is for outpatient treatment and prescription drugs, most likely, although the details aren’t available yet.
And, If the Senators are outraged about this being done in the VA, then why are they not outraged about it being done for the last twenty years in DoD hospitals? If it’s a bad idea for the VA, then rescind it for the DoD as well.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Wow, it’s great to see so many folks who feel this kind of passion. A couple things.
1. You guys have got to know that Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard servicemen and women love you all for not just support like this but in all you do. The banners, the letters and care packages, the reception in the airports. Me personally, my military care plan helped with a very serious kidney disease that my daughter (now adult, married and still happy and alive)suffered and ended up getting a transplant over. We pay for TriCare insurance, but because a lot of that care is able to be done through the Army system, the costs to us were a fraction of the total. So thanks for my kid!
2. A question came up throughout this thread about uniforms. There is very little deploying units have to personally purchase. As a warrant officer, I had to buy the initial new (ACUs) that I wear like some of you stated. But I’ve received new ACUs through the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI)every time I’ve deployed so I really haven’t purchased many uniforms at all since 9-11. We earn credit while deployed for “combat wear” or “fair wear and tear” on our gear and can purchase uniforms and gear with that credit. Taxpayers dollars (which we are too) help in that regard and again it really helps. Any specialty uniforms like NOMEX flightsuits or tanker NOMEX are supplied by the Central Issue Facility or CIF. So, you guys are taking very good care of us and we appreciate it.
As far as this story, I asked around the flight line today and here in brigade in my office complex if anyone had heard about this. Crickets. If it’s not in the news, my guys’ll be too busy to even hear about it. I’d be surprised to see it in Army Times also. (USA Today owes all the “branch Times” rags)
One thing most soldiers did hear about because it’s in the Army Times is health officials now wanting to drop the tax exeption on tobacco and then maybe alcohol items. (So much for the PX and class 6 store being a good deal)
hawkdriver on March 12, 2009 at 4:20 PM
My Lord this is insane
I just went to a local us army hostpital for my son
minor issue but it took over 45 minutes just to get seated
I am not blaming the doctors for there were only 2 or 3 and the room had 50 soldiers in it..
But i will not STAND here and watch as our fine soldiers
are being told by these Liberal CREEPS that they need to help pay for their care
BULLSHIT.,.
how about this obama and the rest of the democraps
1. take the billions for building mosques and tell the muslims to go to the saudis to pay for their places of demon worship
2. tell the Useless un to go to the sudan and move there
making the sudanese pay their salaries
3. tell the palestinian terrorists to go start digging wells for their water and repairing their buildings from all the money hamass has
Because i DEMAND every dime we save be given to our soldiers
SCREW islam
SCREW the un
SCREW obama
PERIOD
anything else and we go to war
OBAMA you moron
YOu got that..
Jerks
jcila on March 12, 2009 at 4:21 PM
My story is your’s except a couple of differences; I was Army and Air Cav…..and it is more than frosting me…I am deep frozen in rage. And not for me, I’m old and won’t be around a hellava lot longer; frankly, I ..but for my son and his young buddies coming home from the Middle East……..
I am feeling like the betrayal of the early ’70s. Remember when you were a second class citizen and kept your service a secret? You were supposed to be brooding and morose… And people expected you to go off and kill your neighbors because you supposedly thought everyone was a VC…..remember those days? They’re backkkkkk…..
Yep, we can thank the lefties..aka..the neo-Democrats…they are in the process of throwing away another generation of young veterans…..
norm1111 on March 12, 2009 at 4:25 PM
That’s why I wrote 20+ years, I know it goes back a long way.
No, I’m not wrong about that, it can be used in traffic accidents, but third-party collections come into play whenever a Military Healthcare System beneficiary report and Other Health Insurance. In a previous post, I cited a GAO report where the DoD collected $122 million from only a third of the treatment facilities. You don’t get $122 million from traffic accidents, you get it from all sorts of things.
They do if their spouse works, but they don’t have to have insurance, they are covered by the military.
I never wrote that. No health insurance company will cover you for combat injuries, but if you are in combat, you’re on active duty and don’t need private insurance.
And remember, “Service-related injuries” are largely not combat related. You can be jogging down the street and break your leg tripping on the sidewalk and it’s “service related”, if you’re on active duty at the time. If you get treated for that at the VA in later years, why exactly shouldn’t your private insurance company pay for that? It’s still not coming out of your pocket.
The details on this haven’t been fleshed out and it sounds like it’s going to be killed. Seems to me, if it’s not combat related then the private insurance companies should pay.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 4:26 PM
I haven’t been on here long, getalife, but I’ve noticed you seem to say that frequently. I sure hope you’re keeping a list of all those things that don’t match up! Maybe you won’t sing the praises so loudly then.
jusgottabeme on March 12, 2009 at 4:28 PM
This is the best you can do? Back to the clinic for you. You’re the worst troll at Hot Air.
hawkdriver on March 12, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Sorry, but that is wrong. If they served they deserve care. We shell out for baby mammas that will never work a day, illegal immigrants that have no business here, why shouldn’t we pay for care for those who put their lives on the line to defend OUR country. The injury shouldn’t matter. We should be proud to give them the care they EARNED.
Laura in Maryland on March 12, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Norm…. unfortunately those days are recently fresh in my mind, thanks to the likes of the present government and people who support them and a little bit of this thread. God, do they really want me back the way I was… are they aware of what they’re asking?
MNDavenotPC on March 12, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I agree, who do we talk to about having at least a troll with a half of brain.
This one is really stupid, event to stupid to keep around as a pet…takes away the fun of laughing at him.
Can we trade him in, or protest to some lib organization?…we deserve better.
right2bright on March 12, 2009 at 4:35 PM
ANYONE with a d behind their name, or consider themselves a dem, that say they support our troops is a LIAR.
oakpack on March 12, 2009 at 4:39 PM
If you keep tormenting the trolls, I’m calling PETA. Besides, troll is such an offensive term; you should be referring to him as a cyber kitten;)
Laura in Maryland on March 12, 2009 at 4:40 PM
The GOP (or, rather, a GOP appointee) wouldn’t have made this mistake in the first place. After all, one of the GOP’s best and most faithful sources of votes is the active duty military.
Remember the Walter Reed scandal, and how fast Bush took care of it? That was the top reacting to the Buck Stopping. Shinseki toadied to the Buck Fall. He should have resigned rather than have to deliver this load of crap from Obama. Really sad that he did his “duty”.
unclesmrgol on March 12, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Nodonkey …
No, you’re missing the point and not all of what you’re saying is correct.
Active Duty aren’t necessarily covered by their spouse’s insurance. If the spouse works – the spouse has to elect to cover them normally under most company plans. And even if it’s “automatic” – the spouse has to report the active duty member as a beneficiary of the plan to be covered by it. If they don’t they aren’t.
Also …
First of all – I’m retired (now) and work for a Company that has a health plan – but because I’m retired – I’m eligible for Tricare. And dammit, since I PAY for it I use it. I refuse any medical benefit from my company because I know that Tricare will go after it if I have a health problem. So there’s no problem for me.
But for someone WHO IS NOT RETIRED – like an injured VET working for General Dynamics – they have no choice but to get private medical insurance because they aren’t eligible for Tricare like me (they didn’t retire). Previously – if a VET like this had a problem come up – they could go to the VA and, if it was service related – they could get VA to pay for it. Now Obama wants private insurance to pay for it – insurance the VET has to get to cover his “non-service related” health problems.
Sooo … Little drill here. Grunt in Iraq is involved in an IED explosion – and the guy’s injuries are treated – but he has a neck problem as a result of the blast. This is a problem that’s not dibilitating … But he’s going to be dealing it with the rest of his life. So the guy gets out of the Army, goes to work for General Dynamics and he has to admit to a previously existing condition concerning his neck. Right now … The med insurance he’s applying for knows that VA will pay for any problems with his neck – because it’s service related.
Under Obama’s plan here – then the company insurance will be responsible.
Question: Will this affect the insurance company’s decision to cover him?
(I think it will)
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Just when you think this administration cannot go any lower they prove you wrong! This is despicable and cannot be even considered.
Herb on March 12, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Hey Obama voters, how’s that anti-America, anti-capitalism, anti-military, transparency thing working out for you? Schmucks.
marklmail on March 12, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Think he’ll man up and admit to the failure of his “stimulus” when we all realize the dollar is worth nothing and our grandkids are broke?
Doubtful.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Maybe they could hitch a ride with Pelosi?
jusgottabeme on March 12, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Hero of the Anti-War Left, retired General Eric Shinseki…
I wonder whose side Asshole Shinseki was on, ours or theirs? Why would his opinion be relevant to our vets, and why only his?
If congress wants to charge our war damaged vets, then lets be fair, by deducting and offsetting those charges from General Asshole Shinseki unearned retirement!!!
byteshredder on March 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Actually – this is all a moot debate. In a few months, we’ll all be getting socialized “rationed” health care. What’s the point in debating this? We’ll all be in the same crappy boat soon thanks to Obama.
Nuthin’ to see here.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
HondaV65 5X5 on that, sir. My wife works for a PPO and I know that I have been covered under her benefits, however, I cannot, as a result of my injuries, claim any future treatment on them.I am excluded from that… preexisting condition. What is to stop a carrier from dropping me, if obama gets his way?…. Nothing. I wouldn’t blame the company, either, because it is within their rights under the Law of Large Numbers doctrine that establishes rates.
MNDavenotPC on March 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Another outrage. What department do these health officials belong to?
OmahaConservative on March 12, 2009 at 4:53 PM
NoDonkey: There’s something called the lifetime limit on medical insurance payouts. Heard of it? Charging private insurance for service-related injuries in some cases would overwhelm the lifetime limit that private insurance companies will cover. My sister encountered that because of several problem pregnancies.
So, if private insurance companies are charged for service-related injuries, the vet may well suffer by making their entire family ineligible for any private insurance.
But hey, what do the Dems care?
Consanescerion on March 12, 2009 at 4:55 PM
BTW troll, how can you describe a fundamental belief that someone feels as a “mistake”. What he should man up to and apologizing for is all of the hardships he’s put the military through as the Joint Chief and as an obamas secretary of veterans affairs. By ejecting politics into an institution that needs to be devoid of it, he cheapens and polarizes the men and women who serve in it. He has never been good for the military in any capacity.
hawkdriver on March 12, 2009 at 4:59 PM
This would likely (the details aren’t available) only be for outpatient procedures and prescriptions, that wouldn’t overwhelm any insurance company. And the insurance companies could still decide not to pay or not pay a percentage, just as they do for any other procedure.
Just because the VA sends the insurance company a bill, doesn’t mean they have to pay it, if the treatment isn’t covered.
Even if it is covered, the insurance company may only pay a small percentage, just like they do for any other claim.
And in any event, no money will come out of the vet’s pocket.
If you want to be outraged, rock on, but there are a million reasons other than this to dislike the Obama Administration. This is about 1,000,000,001 on my list and if you hate this, then you should be consistent and hate every President since the 1960’s, since this exact same thing was done in the DoD. This is nothing new, it’s just the VA getting around to doing what the DoD has been doing for decades.
NoDonkey on March 12, 2009 at 5:03 PM
If Bernie Madoff “apologized” … would we hail him as an insightful man?
If OJ “apologized” … would we hail him as a “benevolent” man?
If Michael Brow “apologized” for the Katrina response … would we hail him as a “humble” man worthy of admiration?
Nope … but alas … with … “The One” … an apology just sends a thrill up our leg!
But for me … apologies are worth what? Take an Obama apology, add $5 dollars to it and you can buy a latte at Starbucks.
Apologies are worth squat. I’d rather have a fat arrogant SOB as President if he KNEW how to run a country than this circus of O-Clowns.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 5:06 PM
That doesn’t make it right – that is exactly why Medicare is out of control.
It’s a service related injury – the VA needs to pay 100 percent of it. Period … end of story.
HondaV65 on March 12, 2009 at 5:08 PM
NoDonkey: I simply do not believe that the DoD charges private insurance for service-related injuries. Non-service injuries, I can believe… otherwise I do not believe you.
I know friends and family who’ve dealt with the VA AND the DoD a lot, they’ve never encountered such a thing. They’ve no reason to lie to me about their dealings, but as a known pro-Dem troll – you do.
Consanescerion on March 12, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Sounds like Army health officials. The troopers I talked to said it was a poll on Army Times on line.
hawkdriver on March 12, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Well, actually, if you have additional insurance why would you go to the VA?
You think you’ve heard horror stories about the VA? Ask some retired or former G.I.s who depend on the VA. Even the people who work in the VA system try to get health care somewhere else!!
After I retired I worked for companies that provided health insurance. I wasn’t eligible for TriCare nor did I want it. The health care I got in private industry far excelled TriCare. Now that I’m no longer working I rely on TriCare exclusively; the level of care can’t compete with private health insurance.
And you are correct, most “service related” injuries are non-combat but that doesn’t mean your civilian insurance is going to help. Hurt your back coming out of a C-130 on a training drop and see how fast your civilian health care insurance will deny you service.
Much of the health care recoveries you quoted are still going to involve a civilian in the equations. I use to work in a USAF emergency room that was close to I-75 in Georgia. We frequently got civilian casualties from traffic accidents and patched them up and kept them in hospital until it was convenient to transfer them. Military medical facilities oversea treat civil service employees and then charge their health insurer. If an active duty G.I.s is injured in an off base incident and the blame can be placed elsewhere the military will try to collect.
I can’t think of a single G.I. only related medical event that would get charged to some civilian health insurance.
E9RET on March 12, 2009 at 5:17 PM
Yes. I agree.
I am a VET, recently medically discharged due to a service connected disability. I was dicharged a few short years away from retirement. All I received was a lump sum payment, NO retirement and NO government medical coverage, except for the VA. (A crime in my book)
Now the government wants my new employer to pay.
Obama….YOU ARE AN ASS!
NODONKEY…..YOU ARE AN ASS! (pun intended)
74SeventeenSeventySix on March 12, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Can’t call PETA. They’re busy making Clofu or Clooney tofutti.
I seriously think this is one of the funniest quotes ever:
jusgottabeme on March 12, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Charge the vets but keep giving everything free to the baby mommas, the illegals, the deadbeat dads and the thugs. Anyone volunteering for duty in the service, with this anti-American slimeball as president in office is an idiot. Stay home boys and girls. Your government doesn’t even like you.
UnEasyRider on March 12, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Lead the way, Mr. President. Your health care plan can and should be identical to that of those who serve in the military. I’m sure you’ll have no problem signing yourself and your family up for the military health care system. If you knock your noggin on the helicopter again, give TriCare a call. And while we’re at it, every member of Congress can also join up. Although your needs won’t be combat-related, you’ll certainly get to experience the bureaucratic joy that is the military health care system.
DrMagnolias on March 12, 2009 at 5:42 PM
I see a vision… a vision of wounded veterans on the mall…
An Army for benefits…
Camped out…
And armed.
But don’t worry, I’m sure the Left ’supports the troops’!
ajacksonian on March 12, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I served for 21 years in the Navy and this is the nuttiest, puke inducing idea ever. And this coming from the former COS of the Army. This is happening now to the armed forces of the UK, which prompted one British Army veteran to suggest that the UK armed forces should be under the command and payroll of US DOD. I have Tricare Prime (administered by Humana Military HealthCare Services) as my primary health insurance and Blue Cross-Blue Shield at work.
What do not like about it was the finger pointing between the two when it is time to pay the bill. I made a decision to drop Blue Cross Blue Shield, because it was costing me ver $400 a month. While Tricare Prime only cost me $460 a YEAR for my family.For fellow retirees out there, I say go for Tricare Prime. It is like being on active duty where you dont have to wait days or weeks to get a doctor’s appointment. The longest I had to wait was 3 hours.
seabee1 on March 12, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Billions for pork garbage and BS ’social programs’ and the Gov’t/VA…as usual…want to squeeze our GIs.
Like the authors of a really good book called The Wages of War pointed out, the VA’s main function is to limit the Federal Government’s liabilities. Couple of Libs wrote it, but still I can only agree.
The Philippines Scouts, the Merchant Mariners, those exposed to Agent Orange and those exposed to ionizing radiation in the ’50s come to mind as cases where the Gov’t through the VA have sought to screw those who have served for us. Have a baby at 14 and the Feds will gladly cut checks for you.
Seems that the VA waits decades until most of the GIs are dead and then grants benefits/remuneration. Suppose it cuts down on the $…that can be saved and then sent to Hamas maybe.
My father (Korea/Vietnam USAF Veteran) finally received disability due to Agent Orange within the last few years…40 years after exposure…after the Gov’t insisted with various paid experts that Agent Orange was harmless for decades.
Dr. ZhivBlago on March 12, 2009 at 6:10 PM
you know king telepromter one day you will needs these fine men and women.anybody who would charge a vet for injuries they recieved in the line of duty is the lowest form of life on earth .i thank god for the very fine young men and women who risk there life for our freedom.god bless you guys i for one love you .again thank you for youre service.from an old vet.
wade underhile on March 12, 2009 at 6:29 PM
LOL, thanks I needed that!
Laura in Maryland on March 12, 2009 at 6:46 PM
No way would this pass but I couldn’t believe my eyeballs reading it. That they would even suggest to do something so UN-American is preposterous.
Geronimo on March 12, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Pardon by frank profanity, but it seems the shit never stops flowing from this administration.
Woody
woodcdi on March 12, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Nobody really gives a damn what you agree with around here, needalife.
HornetSting on March 12, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Most insurance policies include a war clause that precludes payment for injuries during an act of war. Each state would have to change that or Obama would change that when he take over all insurance regulations.
LifeTrek on March 12, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Money for ACORN thugs?
Check!
Money for Union thugs and capo regime?
Check!
Money for abortions, tatoo removals, pig deoderant, and health care for anybody who can make it across the southern border?
Check!
Money for the people who’ve bled for our country?
Nope!
Preatorian Ending?
Possible.
SuperCool on March 12, 2009 at 7:40 PM
I detest this man and his ideas. People that protected this county so his stupid butt could become President and he wants to screw with them. As the daughter of a Vietnam Vet this makes me so angry my head is spinning.
So while the freeloaders of this country get free health care and money you are going to make combat verterans that get injured in the field pay for treatment? Really?
Are you really this insane?
Can we get him removed from office for Mental illiness for the utter stupidty of this idea?
Screw you BO just screw you.
Gracelynn on March 12, 2009 at 7:59 PM
The fact that this man would even SUGGEST such a thing should bring revolt from all “thinking” military.
TAKE BACK THE GOVERNMENT! REVOLT. LINE UP THE IDIOTS IN CONGRESS AND THE WHITEHOUSE AND ASK THEM A SIMPLE QUESTION LIKE, HAVE YOU READ THE CONSTITUTION IN THE PAST WEEK AND IF SO CAN YOU PROVE IT! IF THEY CAN NOT, WELL….. LET’S SAY IT SUCKS TO BE YOU!
MILITARY RISE UP!
Mercy4Me on March 12, 2009 at 8:02 PM
But… but..but.. he is a historic half black president. He is the Messiah….
Yeah right. He is lying piece of $hit. I don’t know where this item of trash came from, but he needs to pack up his Saskwache wife with the big ass, and his chiren, and go back from they are from.
Its almost time folks. More guns, more ammo. At least we don’t have to worry about what side our military men and women will be on.
Offshore_Drilling on March 12, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Flying Betsy Ross
Caststeel on March 12, 2009 at 8:33 PM
When I read this I thought that it was some Enquirer or “Us” rag piece of work. But then I see the comments, details and links and my head is just spinning.
Gotta check for that Y2K bunker, might need that!
Why in the world would you want to tick off 3/4 of the US population, and especially, the military? He thinks he can fix everybody by grabbing shoulders and stare down at people? I want his health record released asap see if he is on serious meds, and of course the infamous b/c.
I tell ya, and I have been sayin’ he will NOT last two years. Oh Rush, Sean, Glenn, et. al, Sarah come out of hiding YOUR SON IS ON THE LINE!
Instead of Tea Parties, we are gonna have now “Ammo Parties”. *picture Middle-Easterners firing semi-auto in the air*
ProudPalinFan on March 12, 2009 at 8:38 PM
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm
Bureau of Labor Stats on Veterans from 2007. Right now it looks like non- service and service disabled members have around the same employment/unemployment rates.
Will companies hire disabled vets at the same rate if this plan goes through?
journeyintothewhirlwind on March 12, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Working in the Insurance industry, I know that the VA bills for non-injury related claims. I also know that they don’t bill Medicare for the same.
What disgusts me is President Obama will rant and rave against the ‘evil insurance companies’ until he wants something from us.
The_Livewire on March 12, 2009 at 9:03 PM
I just saw in Politico that Michelle Obama will visit Fort Bragg.
Supposedly military families are going to be her “signature issue”. This I will have to see to believe.
I certainly hope that some of those families bend her ear about this outrageous idea of Obama.
INC on March 12, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next »