OBAMA CONSIDERING CHARGING VETERANS’ PRIVATE INSURANCE FOR TREATING SERVICE-RELATED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
 

Washington, Mar 19, 2009 - Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Vice Ranking Republican on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, today offered H. Res. 264, “Expressing opposition to any proposal intended to alter current law to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system to bill third-party insurers of veterans who are being treated for service-connected disabilities or injuries.” Stated Stearns, “American has a commitment to those who were injured while serving our nation, and that commitment can not be cast aside as a money-saving step.” Since the proposal would require a change in current law, no legislation is needed to prevent such a change, thus Stearns offered a House Resolution expressing a Sense of Congress in opposition.

The Obama Administration is considering charging veterans with service-connected injuries and illnesses, through their private insurance, for treatment they receive. They believe that this would save $540 million. “We have a sacred obligation to care for those who protected our freedom,” added Stearns, “and this duty should not be passed along to third parties. In addition, this could lead to insurance companies denying coverage to military personnel.”

Stearns also joined in writing to President Obama “expressing our profound disappointment over news reports that your Administration is considering a proposal to breach a solemn obligation to our nation's veterans who have courageously fought for our freedom. If true, the proposal under consideration would permit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ignore its core responsibility to provide health care services to our men and women who have a service related disability.”