Monday, December 29, 1997
Looking ahead at legislation that affects vets,
retirees
With the Christmas season now behind us and the new year just
a few days away, it is a good time to look ahead as to where we,
veterans and retirees, stand on legislative matters that affect
us directly.
This year saw many improvements, but many proposals were left
hanging and unanswered. These represent the things veterans and
retirees should be addressing to our elected representatives.
Hearing from us in large numbers might persuade them to take a
second look at some of the proposals and even have a positive
opinion in our favor.
A few of the proposals that were not accepted this year but
should be placed back at the forefront again are:
- Active duty pay raise cap. Would remove the cap that keeps
military and federal civilian pay raises one-half percent below
the average American's raise each year.
- Concurrent receipt of retired pay and VA disability for retirees
with severe disabilities. Would afford some relief for 20-year
retirees with at least a 70-percent disability.
- Mail-order pharmacy service for all Medicare-eligible uniformed
services beneficiaries.
- Medicare Part B late-enrollment penalty waiver. Would give
relief to some who were affected by the closure and cutback in
medical care facilities.
- 30-year "paid-up" SBP coverage. Would give help
to retirees when they reach the age of 70 and have paid into SBP
for 30 years.
- VA Medicare subvention test. Similar to the military subvention
test passed this year but for Medicare-eligibles who use VA facilities.
- And last but surely not least, a test of allowing Medicare-eligible
service beneficiaries to enroll in the Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program. This is the same health plan the government
already extends to other retired federal employees.
The Military Coalition, TROA and any number of other service
and veterans organizations will be speaking out on behalf of these
issues, but a strong outpouring from the masses of the general
public can often carry a lot of sway in such matters.
The following is provided for those who would like to make
their feelings known on any or all of these issues.
- U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, 1211 Longworth House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515.
- Sen. Phil Gramm, 370 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington,
DC 20510.
- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 283 Russell Senate Office Building,
Washington, DC 20510.
It is hoped that everyone had a very merry Christmas, and the
New Year brings nothing but glad tidings for all.
Any comments or questions for this column should be mailed
to Retiree Activities Office, Attn: Ron Davis, 425 3rd St., Dyess
AFB 79607. Please include your phone number. Or, call 915-696-4980
or -1484.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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