What concerns do you have about the future of Military benefits? Healthcare, VA, etc.

2016-01-20T18:17:40-05:00

As our government continues to push against the military and the benefits we've earned 100X over, what concerns do you have about the upcoming change of administration?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 6:30 PM

2016-01-20T18:30:44-05:00

I personaly don't have many since i believe a republican will take the presidential billet. When this happens more effiecient and direct candidates will be selected for office, thus removing the democratic shenanigans in place now. Hopefully policies will be reviewed and determined ineffective for recruiting and retension then reversed...but we will see.

Response by TSgt Tom Miller made Jan 20 at 2016 6:39 PM

2016-01-20T18:39:51-05:00

Military benefits have changed drastically since I enlisted, (1988), some aspects better, some, not so much. Your financial destiny is in your own hands, don't make the mistake on counting on the government to pay you what you think you deserve. I used to tell young troops to commit 10% of their gross monthly income into a Roth IRA or at minimum a savings account. When you get a raise, keep 10% of it and add the additional income to your savings. You will be surprised how much and how quickly this adds up. Secondly, if you are going to plan on staying with Tricare, plan on living within 30 miles of a military installation or you will be forced to enroll in Tricare standard, you will have to pay the first $2500 of your bills. As stated by others, get EVERY ache and pain documented in your military medical records, you won't get compensated later in life when those injuries start causing problems.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 20 at 2016 7:20 PM

2016-01-20T19:20:41-05:00

I am hopeful that the new administration will treat the military better than the current one.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-01-20T19:54:03-05:00

The current and likely future Speaker of the House , Paul Ryan, is on record as believing military retirement benefits are overly generous. He included a cut to the retirement COLA adjustment in the 2014 budget deal at the last minute. He defended it as a " minor adjustment" that was no big deal because military who retire at 20 years should still work. He said the government cannot continue to give the military a retirement at 20 years that civilians don't earn until 40 years.

His "small adjustment" would reduce the overall value of a retirement for an NCO by $100,000. No big deal for him. Fortunately, after that law passed, congress undid the Ryan cut to military retirement. For the next few years we will have someone who thinks we haven't earned our retirements leading the congressional budget process. That's scary.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jan 20 at 2016 9:28 PM

2016-01-20T21:28:10-05:00

I hope the next Administration is more military friendly. If not, then dark times are ahead.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2016 9:33 PM

2016-01-20T21:33:49-05:00

glad I am retiring now... good luck to the those who will have to navigate the new rules.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 20 at 2016 10:05 PM

2016-01-20T22:05:19-05:00

Irresponsible, financial erosion, confusion about TSP, untimely actions, uncaring, and unsupportive.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 20 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-01-20T22:28:34-05:00

Dynamically adding restrictions to Post 9/11 GI Bill that nullify plans made under earlier version rules and in effect decreasing the value of the benefit before it can be used.

I also worry the executive and legislative branches will not fix sequestration (budget control act). The Army will go under 420,000 to 380,000 which will make the Land warfighting branch (title x obligation) about the size of the Air Force. A round of BRAC will inevitably come and close installations retirees depend on for the delivery of earned benefits to facilitate that cut. Generations of competitive-edge weapons are mortgaged. The next land war will come and we will take a bloody nose out of the gate, as we historically have, and we will have to fight our way out of it. Just once, I'd like us to come out of the corner and KO the other guy in the first round.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Jan 20 at 2016 11:54 PM

2016-01-20T23:54:51-05:00

As long as our new administration is pro military I believe many of the benefits will be restored and improved. If the new administration adheres to the same view point on military issues and benefits as the current administration, then our military personnel will continue to be used as a financial punching bag!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 7:09 AM

2016-01-21T07:09:33-05:00

There is an organization that specifically represents you and works with other military organization to protect everyone's benefits, the Air Force Sergeant's Association. Currently membership is around 100K which represents roughly 1/3 of the Air Force, that sends a message that 2/3 don't care about any change in benefits. It becomes very difficult to protect benefits when the appearance is that MOST of the Air Force doesn't care. Membership is relatively cheap for the value of 4 lobbyist working to protect your benefits and any member of the service, retiree, or spouse can join.

Strength in numbers, if you are concerned about the future...vote and be a part of an organization that fights for you!

Response by MSG Patrick Quinn made Jan 21 at 2016 10:49 AM

2016-01-21T10:49:14-05:00

Personally, healthcare; there is steady pressure to raise Tricare Prime premiums and limit care. It's already tough to get specialty care referrals. Politicos from both parties want to cut costs and coerce us to use employer provided insurance and Affordable Care Act plans instead of MTFs.

From a broader perspective look for GI Bill cuts and other benefit erosion. Our voice in DC are the VSOs, and the more members the stronger the voice. I encourage everyone to join the ones they qualify for; such as AMVETs, but especially the American Legion and VFW. If you don't 'click' with the local Post join as an at-large member, the dues aren't that much and the orgs do a decent job on the Hill.

Response by MSgt Marion (Trey) Miller III made Jan 21 at 2016 4:32 PM

2016-01-21T16:32:14-05:00

Regarding the new 401k type retirement system: In conversations with other retirees, several of us think it will dissuade people from making the military a full 20-year career. I'm glad that anyone who stays in for more than a four-year stint will end up with *something*, but I think the retirees will end up shortchanged. At least, compared to those of us who already retired.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2016 9:21 PM

2016-01-21T21:21:11-05:00

My biggest concern is that Congress and the AF will continue to break promises and contracts so we can continue to bear the entire burden of budgeting issues.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jan 21 at 2016 10:27 PM

2016-01-21T22:27:55-05:00

It's not going to change but I think if a reservist deploys to a combat area Post 9/11 or anyone for that matter whose deployment is Honorable not excluding Medical Discharge, they should be Allowed 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill. Too late for that to happen but I believed that to be disappointing.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jan 21 at 2016 10:28 PM

2016-01-21T22:28:15-05:00

I have two concerns. First, I worry about the cost-shifting of military healthcare. Seems like every time I turn around the DoD is looking for ways to shift costs onto service members and retirees. I don't know if the VHA is the same way because I never use their health system. Second, I worry about the impact of the new retirement system on the quality of the force. I recall the old Redux system was forecasted to incentivize longer careers and to improve the force overall by helping retain talent. That retirement system didn't last long because it wound up having the opposite impact....people chose not to stay in until retirement eligibility because the benefits were no longer deemed to be worth it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 3:12 AM

2016-01-22T03:12:15-05:00

Honestly, I'm not too worried. Once, we have a new administration set in place they should take care of us.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Jan 22 at 2016 7:59 PM

2016-01-22T19:59:39-05:00

SrA Kaiser, Its Unfortunate, however, the VA would rather we Die off than have to pay out for any benefits.. They will delay, delay, hoping you will give-up, or die.. We have many who aware of this and try to gain support for us: Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, Trace Adkins, Brian Williams, Bruce Springsteen and many others, including Prince Henry !! Just too bad that the fans of these stars won't DEMAND that the Administrations in office fulfill promises made to our service members.. It Should be Non-Negotiable LAW in this country, seeing that we have to fight for every other country, and police the world !! Should we make it home, we have been spat on, had cups thrown at us, denied beneficial help, treated like "crap".. and some even walk all over our flag !! This is 0kay with Congress ??

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 11:04 PM

2016-01-22T23:04:23-05:00

It depends on who is elected, so far no of the candidates have real potential for a good change. So I can only make the assumption it might be too early to tell which way the new administration is going to go

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 3:45 PM

2016-01-25T15:45:27-05:00

I have a serious issues with tricare copay's now. My wife has to take exotic medications in which I can not get at the tricare online pharmacy or on base. I have to get them from a civilian outfit. Costing me over $300 a month

Response by SrA Deborah Borrell Albano Isaacs made Jan 25 at 2016 9:42 PM

2016-01-25T21:42:07-05:00

Continue to build your nest egg. Now it is more important than ever, so you are not blind-sided by whatever occurs.

Response by John Lyon made Mar 10 at 2016 2:20 AM

2016-03-10T02:20:55-05:00

I'm concerned that the VA has recently taken outdated pages from big business to manipulate financial health at cost to all patients. See Nixon and Kaiser from 1970s

Response by A1C Lisa Casserly made Sep 13 at 2016 8:23 PM

2016-09-13T20:23:29-04:00

The quality of care is a huge concern, what with all the problems the VA system has been having in the media lately. And, its also very distressing that they have tried to "streamline" their operations, closing many facilities. For example, my daughter is a wounded warrior. She will be getting a medical retirement in the next year or so. I'm afraid she will not be able to return home because there isn't a VA facility anywhere nearby. We live in the Grand Forks ND area. There is a tiny VA office, but only handles a little paperwork. The Fargo hospital facility (90 miles away) has been closed down. The St. Cloud facility - over 250 miles away - no longer is a hospital, either... I know they are open, but understand they are only a retirement type facility. The closest hospital is in the ST Paul area, over an 8 hour drive from our home. It is not practical to go there for treatment because of distance and cost.