Health care bill will not hurt vets, Dems say

Health care bill will not hurt vets, Dems say
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 17, 2009 10:34:34 EST

A House-passed national health care reform bill will not reduce health care choices or increase costs for veterans, the military, and military retirees and their families, House Democrats said, accusing opponents of the Affordable Health Care for America Act of spreading “myths” to try to kill the measure.

The bill specifically permits veterans, service member to keep their current coverage and to buy additional coverage if that is their choice, according to a statement prepared by the Democratic staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the many House panels that had a part in preparing the bill.

The Senate is expected take up its version of the health care reform bill this week, but quick passage is not expected. Some congressional aides predict the debate could extend into late December and that a final vote may not come until next year.

The statement comes after two prominent House Republicans, the ranking minority party members of the House armed services and veterans’ affairs committees, claimed the Affordable Health Care for America Act would restrict options and possibly reduce coverage for veterans, retirees and their families.

Democrats defending the bill said people enrolled in the veterans’ health care system or in the military’s Tricare health insurance program are treated the same as Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, who also are permitted to buy additional coverage in addition to their government-provided care, the statement says.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/military_healthcare_reformveterans_111709w/