There is nothing good about America that scum republicans do not want to destroy.

The Repubes are waging economic and immoral war on the people of America. They are in devoted, bootlicking, pocket-stuffing subservience to their "Citizens" United, Inc. overlords.

TRICARE is very very popular. It's a *ahem* a single payer system.

Under Tricare I've had three major operations. No paper work, no pay outs. A single payer system can and does work.

There are presently 40,000 vacant jobs at VA that the GOP won't fund to refill. That is why the VA has so long waiting periods. They want ALL health care under the corporate benefits restricted system.

Pre existing conditions would be back and that would screw over just about anyone who spent more than a couple of weeks in service.

Because Tricare Standard pretty much sucks as primary insurance, IMO.

I use it as secondary to my BC/BS, and it's OK for that.

Just saying that single payer health care is not an impossible dream or even too hard.

It kicks in when you are on Medicare. It is free (part of your retirement) and covers all of the Medicare deductibles and co-pays. All medical services are well taken care of and drugs are just a small co-pay. Dental and vision aren't covered and they won't pay the Medicare co-pay for Chiropractic.

why 22 Veterans commit suicide every fucking day??????????????????????????????? No one cares and we know it. 10 months for an eye appointment. 7 weeks and still waiting for glasses. One year total, maybe. Are they that God damned busy! No, no one cares and we know it. Still waiting one year for results from blood test. Talked to her one week ago she said I'll get the results in the mail today. Liar. They constantly lie to me. I have an appointment today for labs, which means nothing but a drug test. They care nothing about my health. The drug test is to cover HER ass. INEQUALITY????? There are tiers. Some get treatment, some don't. I call the V.A. the most dangerous place in America. A fuck of a lot more Vets die under V.A. care than die in the wars they start. They don't care and we know it. Put politicians under V.A. care and watch how long it takes to fix it.

Service-connected veteran. No complaints at all.

The Des Moines area VA is excellent. I to am a service connected vet with no complaints.

They are NOT openly discussing VA and military health care reforms but their policy intentions are privatization. Concerned Veterans For America is a shill organization funded by the Kochs to REFORM all health care including disabled vets even with 100% disabilities.

The argument is that the private sector can do the worker cheaper and more efficiently than the military or government. Remember they don't give a SHIT about veterans who served and neither does the GOP except as props.

Veterans vote GOP most of the time. So they think they have vets in the bag so to speak.

Each election. It makes no sense.

Would like to see a cite for the claim that vets overwhelmingly vote for republicans. Not this vet.

Veterans pick Republicans over Democrats by 20 to 30% depending on the election. You can Google it for yourself if you want. There are hundreds of links. This is well documented

You back it up.

When people say, "go google it," it tells me they got nuthin'.

That is a talking point every election. I am sorry but veterans as a whole vote Republican more than Democrats

Got it!

but I get better care in many cases than I do at private facilities. Like all institutions the 15% factor is in effect. 15 % of the people at any given institution are assholes, and sometimes we have to deal with them.
If you aren't happy with the care you get you can register a complaint with the patient advocate. If that doesn't work contact the office of your congressional representative or senator. They usually have a staff member well versed in getting the VA to comply. If you belong to a veterans service organization like the VFW or Purple Heart they can also apply pressure to remedy your situation.
In the end, we're responsible for our own health care, be it at the VA or private facility.
They saved my life a couple of times. You just need a road map or someone on the inside to help negotiate the system.

"why don't you people just go away". "You better get out of here before we get in a fist fight." "I don't trust you" I have had Vets tell me they were threatened to lose all their records. I couldn't even get a God damned penicillin script and ended in the fucking ER. Fuck these muther fuckers. BILLINGS MONTANA. It's humiliating to go there. 9 days to get a fucking refill on opiates. Will NOT write a prescription to walgreens.

the proper authorities. They are unacceptable and someone must be held to account.

You may not get a response from the VA. So please write to Senator Jon Tester. Take the time to give specifics about people, problems, dates and situations. My understanding is that he reacts well to veterans' concerns. But he needs to have information in a coherent and logical manner.

You should also contact Senator Daines and Representative Zinke, although I understand that they are much less responsive. Still, just copy and paste whatever you write to Senator Tester. It's good to bug them all at the same time.

If no one responds or the response just blows you off, send the information again. But this time, let them know that you will be contacting the local newspaper (Billings Gazette?) to let them know about your reps' non-responses. Then follow up with phone calls to their offices, both in DC and their local officers in MT.

Be courteous to all at all times. I know it's a pain but honey works better than vinegar. And the old proverb that the squeaky wheel gets the grease is all too true, so persevere. It's a shame that anyone has to do this to get the rights/treatment they deserve. But occasionally people who are in a position to make a difference really do not know what is happening.

Senator Tester: https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=email_senator

Senator Daines: https://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve

Congressman Zinke: https://zinke.house.gov/contact/email

... As we have seen time and again with even the most clear cut evidence of negligence and mismanagement.

I just got back from the V.A. and that doctor is biased at me. I had the paper work to RENEW my handicap sticker and she refused to sign it. She said you mean you can't walk 200 feet without stopping. I said some times I can but it ain't pretty. I have NO balance I stagger it's a pain in the ass. I have 2 broken toes right now because I trip or hit stuff and can't feel it. So walking a distance sucks if I don't have to.
The temp that checked me in said they need help bad but there is no money allotted for them. She said they need billions And with a help shortage this is what you get. I would also wager that the people that are pleased with their V.A. aren't chronic pain patients nor legal medical marijuana users.
The V.A. in Billings Montana sucks.

Don't get me wrong I am 100% for single payer socialized medicine over private any day all day. But the V.A. system is broken. They need massive money but the war mongers won't give it to them (republicans).

There are a lot of GOP voters in our government institutions at all levels and they DO NOT believe in delivering the benefits even vets are entitled to. Also remember the background meme the GOP is playing is that vets benefits are welfare and vets are TAKERS and not MAKERS. I hear a lot of GOP types saying screw veterans. We cannot afford them.

So I understand your frustration but worked for the DOL and knew many GOPPERS who hated workers. Consider the source because GOPPERS want you to be pissed and NOT support the system. It serves them.

she said she would have to think about signing to renew my handicap sticker. Like I'm a God damned liar or some shit. Or maybe I'm getting better and it's a surprise. Fuck her. I don't want her fucking pitty. I don't want her fucking sticker. Any thing I ask her she has that fuck you smirk. I think she lost out on a higher position job and is bitter.

to make the program bad, then lobby for privatization. I had great public schools in my town that I am a product of. Now that same district is one of the worst in the nation and everyone who could afford it took their kids out to private schools.

The VA is no different. Bernie has been complaining of the cuts while the Republicans had us in a couple of wars. The number of Veterans exploded, but their care givers and facilities were reduced.

Don't fall for their crap. Putting private companies in who suck up most of the money for administrative costs and big salaries will come at the expense of veterans. It can and will get worse if this is passed. Demand more money for the VA!

love your post man. Went in for labs this morning everything was fine. While I was waiting a newbie, retired old truck driver said it has been 2 years since he signed up for V.A. and this was his first appointment. Didn't even have his ID for the kiosk yet. Tomorrow is the big day. I see the doc. She doesn't remember me, but she is the one that said "why don't you people just go away." She was real mad and told me "I TAKE A VOW TO DO NO HARM". I said the vow actually says "you will do no harm NOR injustice." That slowed her anger way down. I actually fear tomorrow and will be very polite. Does everyone realize that if you are a CHRONIC pain patient it's a whole new ball game.

I have a neural stimulator in my back to help with the pain, bet you do too! Peace Sorefeet!

It is (supposedly) automatic coverage from VA for those exposed to Agent Orange (two Vietnam tours).

VA has denied it as not "early onset" (and treated me like dirt at their facility).

Screw them, Tricare for Life and Medicare means that I never have to see their sorry faces again and getting disability would just mean that part of my retirement pay is non-taxable (and I can live with paying income taxes).

What VA needs is three written complaints from three different people in 90 days and the employee is automatic history. No appeals, no union arbitration. See that the patients know this and see that the clerks and jerks know this. We need some ass-kissing from our civil "servants".

Some days it is like clumping around on two stumps, but there is no cure and i just have to live with it.

30 years of swimming in solvents and chemicals and every bucket say may cause central nervous system damage, but they would rather classify it as unknown cause. Workers comp would never admit it in a million years.

I think it's time I write some serious letters to my reps before this quack kills me.

I appreciate the retirement pay the government sends to the checking account each month, but my experiences over 28 years with military medical care and the VA leave a sour taste in my mouth. I love medicare and Tricare for Life because if I don't like a doctor or a hospital, I an free to go elsewhere (and take my government money with me). Military medical care and the VA to not give you that option.

she wouldn't renew a handicap sticker. I ain't particularly fond of it but it sure comes in handy when it's fucking icy and snowy for someone that can't even feel their feet. My brain doesn't have a clue where my feet are at, it has no connection to my feet making walking difficult. Even on dry pavement I am so clumsy with drop foot. How many more Vets is she so JUDGEMENTAL with??

Sleeping and then getting up is like walking on two dead stumps.

Long session on the computer makes it painful to walk.

Driving any distance, the hands go numb.

"pay any price, bear any burden" so said JFK so I went "all the way for LBJ".

No complaints ever.

He gets free eyeglasses also and never has to wait for a routine appt any more than the rest of our family. Emergencies are handled immediately.

Getting a well-child or dental visit for my kids or myself always ends up a month out if not an emergency. That's kinda normal scheduling for the VA or us.

Before they would give me any opiates for the 'just shoot me' pain I was in. In case you aren't aware there is a major Opiate addiction problem in this country. So, yes, she probably was covering her ass.

The VA suicide rate is a big concern with the VA. They've been bringing the Best and Brightest in the Psychology Field into their mental health program. I could say more, but I get the sense that you're just really pissed off. I'm pretty sure I know why but I won't say it in a public forum.

Take care of yourself.

In a sense they want "single-payer," only their version puts us all in the hands of greedy insurance companies.

What could possibly go wrong?

They are slipping into oblivion for the people who live there. Is this what we want to happen to this country on a full blown scale? I hope we all start paying attention to the really obvious danger from the right. Privatization for everything from Social Security to Medicare, to the PostOffice. Imagine the fiasco we saw last year from UPS and FedEx around Christmas when they failed to deliver on time, taking over our everyday mail service.

and which ones would, knowing how many soldiers suffered concussions and will end up with early Alzheimer's and how many were exposed to various toxic chemicals. Private means for profit after all.

with the soul goal of private profit.

Republicons: Destroying everything that works well for profit!

are in many cases peculiar to military service. The VA and military facilities are better suited to treat these medial and psychological issues. Take PTSD, no one knows how to treat combat related PTSD better than the VA. Their prosthetics are top notch as they treat more patients with missing limbs than anyone else.
Veterans should be given the option of where they want to go for treatment. That's not a lot to ask for those who have sacrificed their minds and bodies serving the military industrial complex that bribes elected officials and encourages war for profit.

GOP candidates should be run out of the country because they do not want to take care of vets because of the money. I am a Vietnam vet and the GOP has apposed EVERYTHING that would benefit veterans. And they know they will still get their votes because they wave the flag so well.

When they wanted their people to get experience in traumatic gunshot wounds, they sent him and several others for a month long tour at an inner-city hospital because the active duty sailors only had colds, a few broken bones, and STDs.

Why shouldn't the military pay for health care like everybody else (except Congress). Especially when they're wounded or incapacitated in the line of duty. They're no good to us then!

(Normally, I wouldn't insult the intelligence of people reading this, but in the current atmosphere here, please be advised: )

-- Mal

Not that vets should as well, but Congress does pay.

Our vets deserve better!

The "Support Our Troops".

Fuckin fascist assholes. The lot of 'em.

Veteran Healthcare dollars that were to be spent in the private sector.

The trend begins ever so slowly. I'm all for Vets getting any and all they need (my brother is a Vietnam vet and the VA has quite literally been his lifeline)

But passing a bill that funnels money to the private sector - essentially choosing the for profit providers over the VA instead of funding improvements to the VA - well it's a slippery slope I don't think we should begin to go down. Even if it's presented as a stop gap. Make the VA more efficient ! Don't fund an end-run around it!

Oh, by the way, that was Senator Sanders' legislation. Kind of ironic isn't it?

$16.3 billion - essentially saying this government program isn't working (the VA) so here's some money to get services in the private sector.

miles from the closest VA hospital, what do you propose to help them?

I'm not against ANYTHING that makes life more bearable for veterans.

I'm just pointing out how solving problems often requires nuanced solutions that from just a scan of a headline can appear one way, but dig deeper and you see there are hard choices to be made, a more complex tale to be told.

And for the record, I'm dead set against the republican proposal of replacing the VA with a voucher system.

Peace

Refusing to pay for bullet wounds patching because he knew he was in enemy territory and should therefore have kept his head down. Yeah, like that'll work just fine. And there is that co-pay at time of treatment...

might do the same thing. I don't trust her.

At the moment, the only freaking reason I'm voting for her in the general is the Supreme Court. P.E.R.I.O.D. Although I'm sure any candidate she supports will be pro big money in elections No doubt about that.

Ms. Compromise is always willing to make a deal for a "win" regardless of the consequences, as long as she can say she was "involved".

Like she was involved in CHIP....

to pay the people who manage and work in the healthcare area as well as all of the supplies and medications and most of the money spent on that will flow to varies companies.

seems easy enough

Yes I know the automatic response is horror over money being "given" to private companies but that already happens they just call them government contractors.
The other complaint will be about horrible plans but considering the horror stories about the VA itself maybe this is not a horrible idea providing of course they put in safeguards so the plans can't screw the veterans on their care with shitty plans as well as requiring the plans to have no copays at all.......ever.

The VA is broken with non veteran civilian leadership immune to punishment from chronic mismanagement.

In short, ducked either way.

Not only am I retired military but I live in a military town with a lot of military friends. I keep up on such things and this is the first I have heard of it.

of care. My late father-in-law, 25+ years in Air Force and another 25 as a policeman, the 3 years he was literally dying would have absolutely nothing to do with the VA. His protests were quite funny actually. Luckily, he had life-time coverage from his police retirement plan. You get different opinions on the VA and Tricare. I suspect lack of adequate funding has a lot to do with negative opinions.

It seems to me though, that a plan like Medicare -- using physicians and facilities like non-military -- where the veteran didn't have to pay anything would be an option some would like. I doubt many would like vouchers unless they were guaranteed to pay have not cost sharing, which would be hard to guarantee long-term.

What are they going to do when only the most financially desperate people enlist? How are they going to fill the ranks? Maybe they will have to bring back the draft.

Troops could take them if they didn't stay for the whole 20 to get a retirement pension.

I don't see a problem with that.

they are trying to eliminate the pension for lifers and replace it with 401Ks.

The new law doesn't eliminate the pension, though it does reduce it.

It applies to people who haven't even enlisted yet, and it opens up the ability for almost everyone who serves in the military to have at least some retirement savings when they leave, even if they don't stay for 20 years.

but the brass has been debating it since Clinton was in office. They will get their wishes eventually, just like Wall Street will get that Social Security money, unless radical changes happen in this country. Just like the privatization of infrastructure, they take baby steps.

Used your vouchers up?

Too bad chump.

there is no better way to thank somebody for their service than to fuck 'em.