I have refrained these past few weeks from getting into much politically, but when I see something that has to do with our troops, such as this. Well, I am compelled to post it:
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!”
This is a mistake Mr. President. The effect of this will be on veterans having to pay more, and premiums will go up. This impacts the middle-class and lower classes, everyone. But not surprising, to spend like our government is will require new and creative ways to tax, and that includes all of us, not just the evil rich people making over 250k.
Also, why are the Democrats so concerned with “quick” and undemocratic debate concerning things like the stimulus bill and now the disastrous Cap and Trade Bill. This is not democracy in action, this is not change. Well, thankfully, some Democrats are starting to speak out.
And before you cry out that the debate on global warming as a man made thing is over, maybe read this.
O.k. I feel better, no political posts for, hopefully, a month or so…
While I generally agree that climate change is mostly natural and not man-made, I don’t think that people should use that as an excuse not to clean up their act. As far as the reimbursement plan goes, it wouldn’t be much different from other government sponsored programs in which private insurance is billed first, then the government carries the rest. I would be interested in seeing what the VA would cover if a vet reached their lifetime max from their private healthcare plan before I would completely rule this idea out.
Chris- It looks like you got your wish: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/18/vets.insurance/index.html. It’s amazing how effective government can be when it’s by the people, and not rammed down the people’s throats
Sorry, the link above is borked, try this one: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/18/vets.insurance/index.html
Good luck trying to avoid doing political posts. With all that’s going on, any one who cares about our country should have an opinion. Sometimes it’s just more than one can stand and you have to speak out.
Steve, excellent I’ll check it out and thanks for posting!!
Pam, I know, there is SOOO much I want to comment on but simply refrain from…
C
It should be noted that Obama did the right thing and I am pleased that he listened to the concerns of others.