General Ryan's Comments Military Retiree Healthcare

Since 01-15-06

From: Waspscpo@aol.com [mailto:Waspscpo@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 11:33 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Fw: GEN Ryan's comments on Military Retiree Healthcare........

On 1/14/2006 BGEN Bob Clements, USAF, ret writes:

Subj: General Ryan's Comments Military Retiree Healthcare in Text Format Year 2000
Date: 1/14/2006 11:57:14 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: p38bob@deepwell.com Sent from the Internet (Details)

Comment:

How times have changed. This is worth reading to keep you energized and I think there are some other very senior officers who should read General Ryan's comments and then set a firm course in regards to "setting the example". There was a team in place here comprised of General Ryan and LTG PK Carlton, Jr, the AFSG at the time of this writing. Both Generals thought out of the box.. How can we help but admire people like this..

On Tue, 28 Nov 2000 18:01:14 -0800, B Gen Bob Clements USAF ret <p38bob@deepwell.com> wrote:

I have received many e-mails requesting General Ryan's remarks in text format.
......................

Health care for military seniors

by Gen. Michael E. Ryan Air Force Chief of Staff 11/28/00 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) --

Earlier this fall, I wrote an article for several retiree publications to express our full support for health care benefits for our Medicare-eligible retirees.

I want to give you an update on the results of our efforts on Capitol Hill. The Fiscal 2001 National Defense Authorization Act directly reflects the hard work and dedication of many senior leaders in Department of Defense Health Affairs, the Services, Congress and our retiree community to push for and obtain these benefits.

Let me share a few of the highlights. Effective Oct. 1, 2001, Medicare-eligible military retirees enrolled in Medicare Part B will be authorized military health care as full TRICARE participants.

This is a permanent entitlement resulting in military health care for life.

For those retirees who don't have access to military facilities for their health care, TRICARE will act as a "Medigap" type insurance to cover co-pays and costs not covered by Medicare.

Military retirees over age 65 will have a multiple-option prescription drug benefit, effective April 1.

They will have access to retail pharmacies, both those in the TRICARE network and those that are not. Though costs vary, the maximum expense will be $150 deductible and a 25 percent co-pay of the cost of the prescription.

Seniors will also have access to the National Mail Order Pharmacy.

The TRICARE Senior Prime Demonstration Project will be extended by an additional year. At the end of that time, the option is open to negotiate with the Health Care Financing Agency to continue the program permanently.

To ensure adequate funding for health benefits for military seniors, an accrual financing system will be in place by Oct. 1, 2002. Similar to how we currently fund retirement benefits, this account within the Treasury Department will be dedicated solely to funding health care for military seniors.

The annual budget process will not affect senior health care funding.

Great strides were made this year through legislation to provide our military seniors with an appropriate health care benefit. Now our challenge is to make the legislation a reality.

The Air Force's commitment to our seniors will not waiver. We are determined to provide a health care system that is easy to access, offers excellent health care, and brings peace of mind to our retirees.

.........
Further comment: Readiness is more than next year's budget..it is a long term happening impacting the future chk6 bob

"If It Weren't For The United States Military" "There Would Be NO United States of America" Questions?