Lots of attacks while I'm offline, (time difference)...
But I'm confused here, when you guys say "veterans", do you mean those who have been soldiers... or those who have fought in actual wars?
I was under the impression that those who had seen actual fighting were entitled to VA hospital coverage for life...? Am I wrong?
The Luke
You're not confused. You simply didn't read what was stated.
Recap:
Vets only get TriCare WHILE UNDER DOD's EMPLOY.
The instance you separate, TriCare goes bye-bye. You don't get it, just for having a pulse.
Someone can serve for 20 years, without seeing a lick of combat and, upon retirement, would have healthcare benefits FOR LIFE. Conversely, a Vietnam vet, who served in combat but got axed with a Dishonorable Discharge or "Big Chicken Dinner" DOESN'T GET JACK.
So, it's much like the civilian world. As long as someone's at his job, he gets healthcare benefits. When he quits or gets fired, THE BENEFITS STOP!!
Vets aren't simply falling back on socialized medicine. They are simply getting the benefits that are RIGHTFULLY THEIRS as DoD employees.
Even if what you said were true about vets serving in wars, THAT STILL WOULD NOT BE “socialized” healthcare. They are simply being paid for the service that they provided to DoD.