Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: Soul Crusher on March 16, 2009, 06:22:07 PM
-
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Buzz Up Send
Email IM .Share
Delicious Digg Facebook Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks .Print .Mon Mar 16, 5:49 pm ET
Featured Topics: Barack ObamaPresidential Transition
.To: POLITICAL EDITORS
Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion, +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans!"
Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group's early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, " There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. 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."
Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.
"I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted," said Commander Rehbein, "is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President's financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.
"I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining," concluded the Commander.
SOURCE The American Legion
________________________ ______
This is really getting insane!
-
So if Obama tries to get the insurance companies to pay a part of the care instead of having the tax payers doing it - what is the problem?
Perhaps there is some legit problem here that I don't realise, would definitely like to know about that.
Because from what I understand the vets wont have to pay themselves.
-
So if Obama tries to get the insurance companies to pay a part of the care instead of having the tax payers doing it - what is the problem?
Perhaps there is some legit problem here that I don't realise, would definitely like to know about that.
Because from what I understand the vets wont have to pay themselves.
Read the article. The arguments and pitfalls in this are right there.
Additionally, do you want soldiers being hassled for bills when the carrier fails to pay the doctor for the services????
-
So if Obama tries to get the insurance companies to pay a part of the care instead of having the tax payers doing it - what is the problem?
Perhaps there is some legit problem here that I don't realise, would definitely like to know about that.
Because from what I understand the vets wont have to pay themselves.
Think of this also, insurers are going to look to cut costs and the soldiers might not get the full treatment they deserve for war wounds. This has the potential for disaster and a complete breakdown of morale.
Oh wait, maybe that is the plan in the first place.
-
Hedge he lays it all out.....I had to go work out right after I read this. Obama is in full piece of liberal shit mode. Shinseki ought to resign in protest. This article hits all the possible problems with this and anybody who defends this action on the board better not be for universal healthcare. U can't rail against private insurance and then say this is a good idea.
-
Serious question... HH6 may not like this, but is an American Soldier more or less important than me?
I have to deal with private insurance carriers and all the crap that comes along with them... I think it sucks... However, why would a soldier be a immune to this? I'm really not sure about the rest of the plan or it's ideal though.
-
Serious question... HH6 may not like this, but is an American Soldier more or less important than me?
I have to deal with private insurance carriers and all the crap that comes along with them... I think it sucks... However, why would a soldier be a immune to this? I'm really not sure about the rest of the plan or it's ideal though.
I wouldn't say they're more important than anyone else but if a soldier is being sent by his country into harms way shouldn't the country take care of any health conditions caused by their actions?
-
Serious question... HH6 may not like this, but is an American Soldier more or less important than me?
I have to deal with private insurance carriers and all the crap that comes along with them... I think it sucks... However, why would a soldier be a immune to this? I'm really not sure about the rest of the plan or it's ideal though.
The difference is they got hurt defending our country. They were promised care if they were injured. For those who love Obama, you will not love 3 years from now, guaranteed. He will drive this country in the ground. Many of you do not realize this guys motivation. Listen to what he says, look at what his friends say. He does not like the rich white establishment of the US. He does not like a lot of of what this nation stands for or its history. He will try to change it and he does not care if some people are hurt by his "change".
The US was the number one country in the world because GOD blessed us. As we turn from GOD so will our blessing dissipate. www.thetrumpet.com
-
I wouldn't say they're more important than anyone else but if a soldier is being sent by his country into harms way shouldn't the country take care of any health conditions caused by their actions?
But don't you do your part to help this country as well?
I know I do... Yet, no one tries to take care of my health conditions.
I'm not saying we shouldn't... I am just tossing this out there as a talking point.
-
But don't you do your part to help this country as well?
I know I do... Yet, no one tries to take care of my health conditions.
I'm not saying we shouldn't... I am just tossing this out there as a talking point.
What do you do to help the country that puts your health/life in constant jeopardy?
-
I understand the argument and won't go apeshit. But if u signed up with ur employer for X benefit and that was a major reason why u decided to go with that company and they then decided to change the rules which would cost u alot of money, hardship and might even cause u to loose ur job at some point, would u not be beside urself with rage.
That said, Obama and the Dems are massive pieces of shit to even suggest this. Whatever u do for a living does not generally include getting blown up, shot at, or just plan shot. If a cop or firefighter is injured, they are taken care of. I'm seething with rage right now so thats about as civil as I can get with this topic.
-
But don't you do your part to help this country as well?
I know I do... Yet, no one tries to take care of my health conditions.
I'm not saying we shouldn't... I am just tossing this out there as a talking point.
Isn't ur brother a Marine..or maybe its big_mal....
-
Thats the problem...without beating a dead horse as the article lays it all out, how will u prove this or that happened. I sucked in enough dust, chemicals, DU etc etc to glow and spark for the next 1000 years. My shins are covered in scars from barb wire and jumping onto and off tanks...my lat and tri were torn...my right petalla is shot..plus years of lifting. I'm fine now but that shit catches up to u and sooner then most insurance companies are used to. How about an 82nd vet at 41, retired with 300 plus jumps explaining to some yahoo about a fucked up back and knees. I know Hugo gets the point. This is a nightmare and the various service organizations are mobilizing. This has not really hit the MSM. The milblogs are going nuts.
-
I'm considering enlisting in the Marines in the next year or two. I don't want to look back one day and regret not serving my country however I'm considering going reserves and don't want to get activated right away so I want to see what happens in the coming months. Now I'm having great reservations (selfish I know) after hearing about Obama's (lack of) health care plan for the military. What would you guys do?
-
Sadly I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't hit the MSM.
-
Oh wasn't aware of that.
-
Isn't ur brother a Marine..or maybe its big_mal....
My cousin... He's 3 up and 3 down.
-
I will of course argue that the Repubs never fucked us anywhere near like this. I have never lost pay, allowances, training or op dollars under a Republican. I have served under both Clinton and Bush and now this asshole. He makes Clinton look like Reagan. I have also served with guys who went back as far as the Carter/Reagan split in 79' and 80. They all say that one day they didn't have parts and training dollars and the next they had to much. This is what will happen under Obama. The militray needs a whole new fleet of vehicles, small arms and other things. That money wil be wasted on the poor/worthless and other pet projects that the Dems can't wait to spend it on. I got 190 bucks per month under Clinton and they get almost a grand under Bush. I will assume that won't get cut.
Go talk to ur recruiter, take somebody with u, see what they have. If ur in the Reserves, depending on ur job, u will get deployed. If u decide to serve, u will serve.
-
I'm sure he deserves his damm healthcare that he signed up for many years ago.
-
Serious question... HH6 may not like this, but is an American Soldier more or less important than me?
I have to deal with private insurance carriers and all the crap that comes along with them... I think it sucks... However, why would a soldier be a immune to this? I'm really not sure about the rest of the plan or it's ideal though.
If everyone are in agreement that private insurance sucks for the military - then why do you have all these people against universal health care?
Something that could make the total costs of health care in the USA much lower.
-
-
Yeah and all this was small percentage pay increases or co-pay increases which were typical of the way the DOD did business. Not mentioned are the massive tax free bonues being paid, the increases to danger, family and other special pays that went up right after Bush came into office. Or the death benefit that went from 18 grand to 100,000 under Bush. I got a 3.9% raise. Bush has been closing the pay gap since he came into office. Family sep is now 225 per month. Obama plan is to make u pay with ur own insurance...bad idea. I never suffered under Bush...but we're getting ready to take it in the ass from Obama.
-
Tricare works marginally at best....the only good thing is that if u don't have access to military healthcare u never get a run around about going to civilian care. They just pay and thats it. But they pay a gov rate regardless of what the private sector says.
-
I didn't think this would get very far but and would be dead by now....
From the milblog..This ain't hell
When retired General Erik K. Shinseki was announced as the new head of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I applauded the President’s choice. That in itself is very unusual for me.
I didn’t do that because Gen. Shinseki and I have always agreed, we have not; but I know Gen. Shinseki personally and have always thought of him as a thoughtful, brilliant officer that put the affairs of soldiers at the top of his priorities. Especially me.
When then MG Shinseki first took command of 1st Cavalry Division I was a brand new Captain (and light fighter struggling in a heavy Armor Division). Shinseki was a very welcomed arrival in the division because nothing could be worse than the previous commander, MG Wes Clark.
The difference was day and night. Within weeks morale had swung 180 degrees!
Then something amazing happened to me. I was offered command of an Infantry company. The problem was I had not yet attended the required Infantry Officer Advance Course at Fort Benning and Infantry Branch said NO WAY.
Shinseki got involved and after a long discussing with me and my commander, he called whoever division commanders call and I took command within two weeks. He pulled the same rabbit out of his hat 16 months later and ultimately I did go to the advance course but I had 30 months of company command under my belt when I arrived.
Years later I found myself in the Pentagon when General Shinseki showed up as the new Army Chief of Staff. I was very happy for him and told everyone who would listen that he was a soldier’s General.
Then came his directive that all soldiers would be issued a black beret!
As a former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment along with Jonn, I vehemently disagreed with his decision and told him so.
But my faith in him as a soldier and officer of impeccable integrity made me accept the order. I am an old soldier and when a General gives an order that is not illegal, unethical or immoral, I salute and move out whether I personally like it or not.
This new approach to screwing veterans however is beyond my parameters. Based on implied contract rules of law where there is not a veteran alive today that ever thought he would be liable for his own care after a combat related injury; I am not at all certain that this change is remotely LAWFUL.
Even if some pony-tailed Chicago lawyer finds a loophole to make this legal, no one with an IQ above that of a pencil sharpener can argue that it is ETHICAL.
But most important is the MORAL part. Anyone who thinks this idea is remotely moral is either retarded or just plain un-American. Where is the morality in a country sending a person to war and then refusing to pay for his care after being maimed in the war?
This is beyond immoral, it is un-American! And I will debate this issue with any dumbass veteran who voted for this amateur. If you’re not a veteran don’t contact me. If you want to defend this as a veteran (and you know we will check), I will do so in any forum you like as often as you like and I will ask nor offer quarter.
To all you trolls out there, consider this before taking my challenge:
President Obama wants to charge combat wounded veterans for care to save $500 million while simultaneously GRANTING $900 million to terrorist in Palestine to recover from the beat down that they sorely deserved.
I know whose side I am on, do you?
To General Shinseki I say RESIGN NOW. This is the only possible way to preserve your integrity as a soldier’s soldier. To do anything less is to slap the face of every wounded warrior and leave yourself as nothing more than a liar and pathetic political hack.
I don’t call for you resignation because of any malfeasance that you did but as a principled position against this atrocity and solidarity with the soldiers that you once commanded.
Please Sir, You Must RESIGN, RIGHT NOW!
-
yes Hugo I saw this when it came out and its bullshit. I really didn;t want to get into this but...this group who complied this are Dems..they supported Obama and now work for him. I am very active with the milblogs and they went through these guys and destroyed the article. I will try and find the one article that sums up why this is BS. There are several scattered around that hit various points but "This Ain't hell" hates these guys and went point for point. Take it for what its worth from me but these guys are not impartial.
-
I didn't think it would even get far enough to bother posting here....
-
I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.
Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.
We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.
You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!
-- Rudyard Kipling
-
Well....I am not going to blame Bush as much as the DOD and that means Rumsfeld. Many of us are not fans of that guy and alot of this stuff originated with him. But the Dems are horrible and getting worse. Carter was so bad....Congress has done ok at times whether Dem or Repub...but now we have Nancy Pelosi and the Libs will kill us. Webb and Skelton are great...I'd kick Murtha in the balls.
-
From Obama's campaign website:
"As President, Barrak Obama will fully fund the VA so it has all the resources it needs to serve the veterans who need it, when they need it. The current administration did not adequately plan for the true costs of this war. It has consistently underinvested in healthcare for our heroic veterans. Without assured funding year after year, our veterans are forced to make do with the VA they have, rather than the VA they deserve."
I'd sincerely like to know how all those military-associated, who voted for Obama and inflicted him on this great nation, feel about that vote now.....
Where does it stop.....if I didn't live in the real world I'd say the wackjob lefties want the Vets and gun owners out of the way. U won't have guns, ammo and door kickers to stop the impending stupidity. Ok my tin foil hat slipped.
-
I agree...but Rumsfeld's arrogance was legendary. Gates just does his job but will stand up to Obama as well as he did with Bush. Rummy just did his own thing. The DOD will at times do their own thing. If they don't want to pull out of Iraq, we won't. There were times under Reagan that they wouldn't brief him on stuff that "certain organizations" wanted to do in response to the Beruit bombing, because he would have gone ahead. The same thing happened with Bush
-
I agree...but Rumsfeld's arrogance was legendary. Gates just does his job but will stand up to Obama as well as he did with Bush. Rummy just did his own thing. The DOD will at times do their own thing. If they don't want to pull out of Iraq, we won't. There were times under Reagan that they wouldn't brief him on stuff that "certain organizations" wanted to do in response to the Beruit bombing, because he would have gone ahead. The same thing happened with Bush
This is just part of a bigger picture as to what Obama is all about. He is a radical communist agitator who speaks softly.
-
a radical communist agitator? lol
Saul Alinsky - look it up. He was his political mentor who authored Rules for Radicals.
William Ayeres and his terrorist wife Bernadine Dorhn. - Look it up.
There is simply no other explanation for the insanity and traitorous policies this Kenyan sleeper cell is pursuing.
-
Saul Alinsky - look it up. He was his political mentor who authored Rules for Radicals.
William Ayeres and his terrorist wife Bernadine Dorhn. - Look it up.
There is simply no other explanation for the insanity and traitorous policies this Kenyan sleeper cell is pursuing.
Where do you get the notion that Saul Alinsky was a communist?
From what I've seen, he was a staunch supporter of democracy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Alinsky
-
Stay on target...stay on target.....guys this is way to important to be hijacked.
-
Stay on target...stay on target.....guys this is way to important to be hijacked.
Sorry about that.
As for the original topic:
Sure - I think if soldiers sign up under certain conditions, you can't take that away.
But perhaps it's possible to get a mixed effort between private insurance and government?
I wouldn't be surprised if this is part of Obama's push to get the public opinion in support of universal health care BTW.
Most people will support the government taking care of the vets - and then it will only be a small step to see a coverage for the rest of the nation.
-
that's what it looks like
"Alinsky was a critic of mainstream liberalism, which he considered passive and ineffective. In Rules for Radicals, he argued that the most effective means are whatever will achieve the desired ends, and that an intermediate end for radicals should be democracy because of its relative ease to work within to achieve other ends of social justice. In 1969, he was awarded the Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award."
what's up with that 33?
People like Obama and Alinsky are smart enough to know that they cant sway people to their side if they are honest and come out and say what they truly feel. They know that by doing things like in alinsky's book, it will be easier to achieve the same end.
Make no mistake, Obama shares the same goals as people like Ayeres, but is smart enough to know that you cant put a radical or angry face on it.
Why do you think Obama campaigned on "Hope & Change" without defining it???????
If he were honest about what his plans were, he would have lost and he knows it.
-
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Mon Mar 16, 5:49 pm ET
Featured Topics:
To: POLITICAL EDITORS
Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion , +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans !"
Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group's early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, " There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. 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."
Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.
"I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted," said Commander Rehbein, "is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President's financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.
"I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining," concluded the Commander.
SOURCE The American Legion
-
The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment
Mon Mar 16, 5:49 pm ET
Featured Topics:
To: POLITICAL EDITORS
Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion , +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans !"
Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group's early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, " There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran's personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. 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."
Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.
"I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted," said Commander Rehbein, "is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President's financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.
"I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining," concluded the Commander.
SOURCE The American Legion
________________________ ______________________
I called that guy Roberts on his cell phone and he told me that there has been an overwhelming response and people are very upset. I called Schumer and Gilibrand this morning.
Obama is a disgrace.