Military Retirees To Pay Higher Health Premiums

WASHINGTON (AP) — Military retirees will pay slightly more for their health care starting Saturday, and more cost increases are on the way.

Premiums haven't been raised since 1994 and still will be just a fraction of what civilians pay. Under a change announced by the Defense Department on Thursday, individuals who enroll in the retiree program as of Saturday will pay $260 annually, up from $230, and it will be $520 annually for a family, up from $460.

Retirees already in the program will not see any increase until next year because they have already paid for this year. But "modest annual increases" are planned in the future, Cynthia Smith, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said.

Active duty service members get free health care and that will remain the same. But other personnel changes unpopular with service member may be in the offing due to U.S. budget problems, including changes to the system for retirement pay, which is under study.


More of the story:
http://news.yahoo.com/military-reti...54632.html

That's not really that much money, I wish dental was that cheap.

Posted By yokota on 10-01-2011 5:10 PM
That's not really that much money, I wish dental was that cheap.

It adds up.  Considering this is our 3rd straight year with no cost-of-living increase, and this "small" increase will open the floodgates to more increases over the years. The target is now on the backs of retirees.

Also consider that those currently retired were promised free life-time health care. As much as DOD officials try to deny any such promise ever existed (apparently not in anyone's contract, but it was commonly understood back in the day.)  So now we're not only paying premiums for our "free" healthcare, but you must also buy Medicare Part B after age 65 to remain in Tricare. 

Not that much money?  When you look at all the ways they have their hands in our pockets, it adds up to thousands per year.

When I look around at many of my friends that aren't retired military they all pay a great deal more for health care plans. I don't like having to pay for it but still it's nothing compared to everyone else. That is one good benefit to being overseas as a retiree by not having to pay the annual fee for TRICARE.

The current benefits aren't really maintainable in the long run based on the health of the US economy and it looks like once again the retirement system is changing negatively too.

We delivered what was asked of us. Now that we ask that we receive what was promised, they say sorry about that. I believe this meets the definition of a swindle. They should pack up all the overseas depemdents and send them home before denying us.

"Here's Johnny!"