Military Health Care System

The PBS broadcast on conditions at Walter Reed returned my thinking to the elimination of military health care for military retirees when they reach Medicare eligibility. It has to be a long-term scheme to discredit Medicare “entitlements.” I propose that the entire boondoggle is a way to transfer military costs to the Medicare budget. If you think about it, it makes sense. Transferring retiree costs to Medicare frees that money to be spent on war and war profiteering. It serves the double purpose of increasing Medicare spending (unjustly) and increases the screams to cut “entitlements” and overhaul the Medicare system.

A day has passed and there was more tonight on Walter Reed. It is an absolute disgrace. I’ve discussed this very subject with my congressional representatives in the past. The two injured soldiers who were discussing the subject on PBS made a three star general and some high-ranking look like the liars that they are. A good point was the lack of use the military has for these soldiers. They’ve served a purpose and are now nothing more than an unnecessary bother.

It was shortly after the start of the Iraq occupation that health care benefits took the hard hit. It didn’t take long for doctors, especially those obligated to the military, to realize the danger they faced. Many, especially civilian contractors and those with limited obligation to the military system, were bailing as soon as they could. I know this because my Medicare doctor is one of them. He wa civilian doctor at Brooke Army Medical Center until the workload became unbearable due to increased patient load and loss of personnel to duty in the Mid-east. He told me the situation was unbearable. The military had reduced their health care budget and released “unnecessary” personnel to the extent that hospitals and emergency medical facilities could not be staffed – a situation that can be a goldmine for contractors. They find personnel who will do anything for the right price. Then, the “fat cat” contractors bill the government on a “cost plus” basis.

I’m making myself sick with anger. Please follow this situation carefully. Address your representatives on their understanding of “Support the Troops.” Are they referring to ALL the troops, or just the ones who are currently useful for spreading conflict in the Mideast. A strong, volunteer military cannot be maintained unless retirees received the benefits they were promised. Maybe a temporary fix (like the draft) will be required?

Thank you for listening.

L8r