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Editor's Note: Your response has been overwhelming!
Our National Headquarters phones and email boxes in Indianapolis and Washington, DC have been flooded with calls concerning the President's proposal to bill private insurance companies for VA treatment of wounded heroes' injuries and disabilities. Our mail boxes are jammed full with hundreds of messages and we are responding as quickly as possible. If your message is not returned, please understand that we are simply overwhelmed by your good thoughts and wishes and we appreciate each and every one. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.!
WASHINGTON, DC (March 16, 2009) – The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.
“It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan,” said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. “He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”
The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, “This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ‘… to care for him who shall have borne the battle…’ given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America’s veterans!”
Commander Rehbein was among a group of senior officials from veterans service organizations joining the President, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki and Steven Kosiak, the overseer of defense spending at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The group’s early afternoon conversation at The White House was precipitated by a letter of protest presented to the President earlier this month. The letter, co-signed by Commander Rehbein and the heads of ten colleague organizations, read, in part, “ There is simply no logical explanation for billing a veteran’s personal insurance for care that the VA has a responsibility to provide. While we understand the fiscal difficulties this country faces right now, placing the burden of those fiscal problems on the men and women who have already sacrificed a great deal for this country is unconscionable.”
Commander Rehbein reiterated points made last week in testimony to both House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. It was stated then that The American Legion believes that the reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate that VA treat service-connected injuries and disabilities given that the United States government sends members of the armed forces into harm’s way, and not private insurance companies. The proposed requirement for these companies to reimburse the VA would not only be unfair, says the Legion, but would have an adverse impact on service-connected disabled veterans and their families. The Legion argues that, depending on the severity of the medical conditions involved, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran’s condition alone. That would leave the rest of the family without health care benefits. The Legion also points out that many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered. Additionally, the Legion is concerned that private insurance premiums would be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable across-the-board insurance policy pricing. The American Legion also believes that some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.
“I got the distinct impression that the only hope of this plan not being enacted,” said Commander Rehbein, “is for an alternative plan to be developed that would generate the desired $540-million in revenue. The American Legion has long advocated for Medicare reimbursement to VA for the treatment of veterans. This, we believe, would more easily meet the President’s financial goal. We will present that idea in an anticipated conference call with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel in the near future.
“I only hope the administration will really listen to us then. This matter has far more serious ramifications than the President is imagining,” concluded the Commander.
Printable page
Legion to White House: Don't Bill Our Heroes
The newsroom has now turned a part of the project over to Sean Bahr, who will handle much of the design and layout details. Bahr, who works for The Journal’s sister company North Star Publishing, will select photos for the book from among the the hundreds contributed. It will be a tough job because of the many valuable and historic photos people provided to us.
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homes for sale
healthcare
Obama stated he was not worried about his and his family's healthcare, because he had the best and that a doctor follows him around. Let him and his family get what he wants to give us Americans. And let him collect Social Security the same as us. He is not Americian in my eyes. He is for himself, he lets his own brother starve. He needs to get on the front lines like our hero's and learn what it's like to be an American. I AM A CHRISTIAN LIKE OUR FORE FATHERS!!!!! AND IN GOD I TRUST, NOT OBAMA
Our Government
I will be short and brief. GOD help us all if the government takes over our healthcare. Everything the government runs we loose look at where we are now and Obama is makeing it worse. HE IS AND WILL BE THE DOWN FALL OF THIS NATION. GOD HELP US ALL. We Christian all we can do is pray and ask GOD for mercy. We are shuting doors on him right and left, and expect him to help us. Our nation is in deep trouble
healthcare
Being a christian you should trust Obama because of what bush left (he vacationed and profited more than any other while in office)Bush's war was for money.Said"I'am christian,"and did nothing at the cost of our troops.Fore- fathers did not send Army's to slaughter nor profit.How about bush on the front lines?You too!Healthcare?Mental health is needed here.Get educated before you speak dumbass.Obama not American?More than any christian who sends troops to die for money.Get rich gods way!jesus!
GOT SALVATION?
DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT, WITH YOUR COMMENTS AND NAME CALLING. SEEK THE LORD AND YOUR EYES WILL BE OPEN.
Being a christian
Being a Christian, read your bible. Because you haven't a clue on what is going on. Bush asked the nation to pray for him before he made his decision. We know where Obama stands on prayer. He doesn't! We wouldn't be at war if it wasn't in GODS plan. Like I said read the Bible. I am praying that Obama isn't the down fall of this nation. He will unless we get GOD back in Our nation. I don't think Obama is the one to do it, because he isn't a CHRISTIAN
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Obama has been in office 7 months and the Obama FAMILY have taken taxpayer vacations up the wazoo. Lets see, just in the last two months . . Moscow, Italy, London; Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona; currently Martha Vineyards. And not only is the first family going but so is the first 'extended' family.
Politicians shouls all pay 100% for spouse / dependant heaalth coverage expense; 100% for spouse / dependants / friends / relatives to dine, vacation, travel, etc NOT THE TAXPAYERS
Check your perspective
I'm a Christian, veteran, and taxpayer, and I do not trust the policies of this sitting Pres., nor do I trust him. If "Bush's war" was fought for money why is this nation so far in debt and borrowing from nations like China? Obama has on shown that he is more of a humanist than a christian, i.e. the speech in Egypt. I would question any sitting pres. that is proposing legislation that continues to increase the national debt, i.e. health care, bailouts of banks, auto industry. etc.
get educated
You get educated, and read a little history while you're at it! I trust Obama as much as I would Hitler, he's following the path!!
Obama
Amen! Obama is the down fall of this Nation. I am a Christian and I keep praying for Obama and our Nation because we need GOD back in our country. 9/11 was a wake up call. The churches were filled up for about 30 days. That was short lived. That was nothing to what is coming to our Nation. Obama is not a Christian and because of him we haven't a chance. We as Christians have our work cut out for us. GOD HELP US ALL
Ugh, the Hitler Comparison
Get a grip. You can't compare our president that wants to expand healthcare (HEALTHCARE) to everyone to murderous Hitler. Do you know how stupid you sound? I don't toss that word out lightly, but YOU'RE STUPID! How you arrive to your conclusion has to be via some other bias against the current president. It just doesn't add up and it makes me sad.
You've been mislead! Seek the truth, fellow Americans!
What is wrong with this "Our Voice" organization and media outlets misrepresenting the TRUTH and striking fear into citizen's and veteran's hearts! Obama is NOT taking away medical coverage for the military. Not trust Obama? Goodness. Don't trust the media! Reading these posts, you've been made victim of a story spun into a LIE that is meant to strike fear, boost ratings and (perhaps) capitalize on political gain. Please, I ask you, do your research and seek the truth.
"Our Leader"
Everything that is happened since the White House became his "crib"is exactly what he lied about during his campaign. I DID NOT AND NEVER WILL VOTE FOR HIM! Now of course most people will assume that is racism,its actually common sense! The facct that Americans put him in office knowing his muslim background is a disgrace and if he were a true leader he would give our troops no matter what war or the absoloute best in care, GOD BLESS AMERICA MORE THAN EVER!
Obama
Of course you would write this crap as "anonymous" because you don't know the truth. Our last, ( 2/3rds of his time in office was on vacation clearing brush) President georgy boy just tore up our Constitution and started "his war " for profit .Obama hasn't even seen the damage done by that money making killer, (the carnage made him alot of money). Muslim background? Read whats really going on. god bless america? "He"wasn't in Viet Nam, and he sure as ***** isn't in Iraq. Patrick Butler
Health Care
The ONLY way the American people will benefit from health care is when we get the drug companies out of bed with politicians and doctors and give the American people the very EXACT same health care coverage congress and politicians now enjoy. While we are at it, lets make congress get social security benefits like the rest of us and no "special retirement" they now enjoy. That will greatly reduce the deficit and protect social security benefits for us all!
HOAX
This is a hoax, a misrepresentation of the truth. Obama NEVER said he would not cover veterans. In March it was studied that if a verteran's private insurance covered care given at a VA hospital, the Private insurance carrier would reimburse the VA. It was NEVER said that no healthcare would be given for duty related injuries! Do the research yourself, and not just sound bites from cable related news outlets or "astroturf" organizations that try to pump fear into your hearts by misleading you.
Veterans' insurance
You say we must research; however, Truth or Fiction says this article is fact.
insurance, veterans
Try http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/veteranshealth.asp Mabey you'll have a different point of view.Truth or fiction?Sounds like a bushie(no offence)Iam 100% disabled do to agent-orange related cancer. Our government IS supporting me for all medical.It was ***** to get help, but it's getting better.What bush did was worse, he ignored us.Now,a lot of Vets are getting help, not all but more.Education!Know what you are talking about.Talk to Vets. See ya'in the funny papers, Jazz
Ugh...
Understand what you are reading. Most folks on this post have jumped to the conclusion that the veterans would be left uncovered! That isn't what anyone is saying. Even on truthorfiction, the Truth, but cancelled and the Fiction and satire portion of the meme are highlighted. Also, truthorfiction doesn't say the article is correct, the "truth" part is just a sentence long and the conclusions folks are jumping to here just are NOT TRUE!
Ugh
Finally, someone who actually knows what is going on. Thank you for your service Brother, from a combat veteran, Army, Viet Nam. Now is the time when being stupid should be against the law. A lot of these people just do not understand. Perhaps, it could be they haven't served. I have found the most vocal of the lot haven't. Thanks again, welcome home, Jazz
Amen...
Yes, stupidity should be a crime. Why the media likes to reward outrageous stupidity with air time (good Lord, look at that IDOT BECK) is beyond me. Which is worse, saying the crap Glenn Beck says? or believing the crap Glenn Beck (and his equally offensive colleagues) say? That is a hard call. It's painfully obvious and it hurts my heart when I hear that kind of rhetoric gaining traction. What kind of nation is this where even one person thinks a "death panel" is a serious proposition. WAKE UP!
An ever so slight but bright
An ever so slight but bright ray of hope seems to be seeping into the stories and statements illustrated here. Facts (gotta love 'em) are the only way I know how to fight fear and lies. Thanks for comments, Jazz.
Insurance for Veterans
And just who do you think the private insurance companies are paid by? The government? You ARE naive, dear. So, if private insurance covers veterans, the government does NOT. Therefore, Obama does NOT cover veterans. Wake up!
naive
Wake up nipple-head.Veterans are covered. bush got the V.A. so screwed up, (not the word I wanted)."His war" He ignored soldiers would be coming home wounded,some very bad.He ignored everything.Can anybody tell me what bush did,except get more money for him and his ilk?(and of course his"clearing brush", spending 2/3rds of his time dickin'around),while the troops HE sent to that cesspool were dying in"His war".bushs responce to Katrina?Same-*****-same! Your info.,from where? Jazz
Oh, what a silly spinner you are. (I'm not your dear.)
The concept was bill private insurance for govt-provided VA health care to see whether some of the costs can be covered. Whether private insurers would pay anything would depend on their policies on serving as the second payer on medical expenses. Some insurance policies cover such costs and others do not. TO BE CLEAR, the idea wasn't to drop veterans from health care.
I would tell you to read details of the short-lived idea, but the thing was dropped from consideration back in MARCH. It's AUG!
Health Care
I agree regarding Politicians President - Congress get exact same Health Care coverage, social security, & No Special Retirement. But as much as I have had to pay for drugs, some being very expensive I must disagree with you on the issue of drug companies in bed with the politicians. Whether that is true or not, I understand that drug companies must be able to recoup there cost and make a profit. If they cannot then they will not be able to invest funds for new drugs.
HEALTH CARE, THE SAME FOR ALL
I agree wholehearedly with the comment above. It's time our members of congress live by the laws they make.
Government Health Care
Our present health care is just fine. We should never approve the WAshington DC congress to approve health care for everyone as it just would lead to our loss of freedom to make our own decisions and choice of treatment. It would be more expensive to have goverment involved.
Health care reform
I am in complete agreement with the comment above. The government does not have the knowledge /education to give the final say so on any treatment....that is the job for those trained to do so....doctors !
Politicians health care & social security
Wonder how many politicians get in JUST to collect these amenities? ITS NOT FAIR!!!! Look at the Clintons - double dipping!!!!
Health Care
During the campaign, Obama said that we, the people, deserved the same health care plan that members of Congress, our servants, enjoy. Has anyone heard him mention that since he took office? Why is he not asked that question during his many TV shows? Where is the media? Am I the only one who heard him say that?
Two term limit for all elected and non elected officials. Let's start a movement to get all new members of congress. Get rid of the Barnies, Chris'
Health care and retirement for all Politicians
Amen
Until we have a level playing field they are insulated againest our pain. They are drawing a line in the sand between themselves and the American people. They have made the people second class citizens. This is class war fare and the only weapon we have is our vote. Wiser up America before it is to late.
Port Orange,Fl.
veteran's private insurance
To: Vietnam veterans wife: jo, Oakdale, PA If you should come back over these blogs, I hope you will try snopes as you were DEAD wrong in your assertion that this website had a statement about OBAMA'S plan. Absolutely false and I have a hard time believing a Vietnam veteran's wife would do such a thing!!!!!!
Obamoron
If that man in the big white house wants the military to pay for their own insurance, then look at it this way. Who is ultimately responsible for them? As Commander in Chief, he is the one who put them in harms way. Therefore, HE should pay ALL COSTS involved in their medical, therapy and rehabilitation.
I just don't understand why
I just don't understand why you don't believe that that Obama is actually trying to fix things for the benefit of EVERYONE. Healthcare is a mess for EVERYONE. At 23percent of our economy, this is a big deal and fraud (big time billion fraud) is rampant. The PUBLIC sector is NOT working and we all suffer for it. REFORM is needed. Why do we have the best trained doctors but rank 37th (behind Costa Rica and Morocco). We spend the most for 37th? Something has to give!
re: I just don't understand why
The current "public" option for healthcare IS ALREADY run by the GOVERNMENT and is FULL of FRAUD AND WASTE!!! Before you claim that our health care system is ranked 37th and behind Costa Rica and Morocco, I suggest that you SERIOUSLY examine how those "facts" were obtained because the rankings are not based on set standards, but what each country reports. For example, U.S. has higher infant mortality due to reporting of very premature births that other countries count as abortions.
The logic of some of the
The logic of some of the comments on this page make so little sense THERE HAS TO BE something more sinister behind the Obama bashing. I don't like it and it makes me sad to be American, but I think that has to be what is going on here. Race and hate for some seems to be trumping logic. Makes me sad. I wish everyone would settle down just for a second and listen to the guy and not be blinded by his color. I hate to say it, but I have to think it's true for all the unexplainable hatred.
Private Insurance For Vet Injuries
When our young men and women volunteer to become Warriors for our country, and our, Commander in Chief says,"I'll use you if need be", a contract is made. Our Warriors are saying we will go protect our country, and our country is saying thank you and we will take care of you. My father made it, my brother made it, I made it, both my son and daughter made it and now my son in law is making it. For this commander in chief to change the contract s a slap n the face to all veterans.
Commander in Chief?
I would first like to thank you and your family for your service. I believe we have a Traitor in Chief. I believe people will eventually wake up to the reality that they elected a Muslim Communist terrorist that hates America. Wrong paradigm view, IMO: People think he is trying to do good. Wrong! Real agenda? Destruction of America, nothing less. Moving rapidly. Terrorist? Financial terrorist first. Expendable elderly with Obamanocare. Unelected czars. Governmentalize everything!
Mr. Obama dig deep, congressmen are paid how much? senators?
My father offered up his life to protect freedom, the act of a Patriot. Perhaps, Mr Obama needs to look for financial patriotism in the bank accounts of those have jobs because we have elected them. I need assistance in studying non oldboy network potential candidates for the coming elections, and many of my friends nationwide have expressed similar interests. We feel perhaps the day of the incumbant is over. Thank you
No reason whatsoever
I see no reason whatsoever for the government to NOT be (at least) partially reimbursed for care if a vet has private insurance as well as VA health care. It doesn't affect the quality or quantity of health care vets receive through VA hospitals, it just means the government gets reimbursed for part of it and the fat-cat private health insurers don't get to keep it all.
The whacked out, far-right, AL has lost all its ability to reason. Which would be why I let my membership lapse.
Third Party Reimbursement
I'm an Active Duty Nurse. Our clinic did third party reimbursement for care-from dependents who carried health insurance from an employer. There was no cost to the dependent or the sponsor. Our clinic gained funds we sorely needed-we put every penny back into improving services. The fat cat health insurance companies didn't get to keep premiums the dependent was paying out. I think we should look at this with a cautious eye, but if it sticks it to those leeches sucking our vets dry, do it!
Whacked Out AL
Reading your 'contribution' makes me doubt your ability to pass the mental exam for military service and, therefore, could not qualify for the claimed membership you say you dropped.
You sound like?
You sound like someone who has never served your country in the military or any other way. Someone who is so "smart", or to lazy to hold any kind of a job and you think anyone who is willing to work and get ahead owes you a living and like a leech drain every penny you can get from the system. It is the far right that works and puts into the system that has spoiled you.
You Sound Like?
I just want to sa a BIG AMEN to your remarks, I thikn he should go, put on a uniform and be put on the front lines for a week, wouldn't take him but one day and he would be whimpping...
Here's a possible reason
How 'bout this for a reason NOT to do this? Obama wants socialized medicine. He wants socialism period. One way to force it on everyone is to act like it's optional at first while trying his best to make it harder for private insurance compainies to stay afloat. This proposal would go toward that goal. Not to mention the fact that it's just plain wrong...so save your "far right hoopla" for someone who wants to sling mud like you do.
What will you do when no one signs up?
With your political nonsense and lack of graditute to our service men and women, soon you will be asking yourself why no one will volunteer for service. Then you will complain when your family members are drafted and put into service unwillingly. Then you will wonder why the union is no union at all. and all along it because of people like you. And GOOD RIDDENS!
No reason whatsoever (June 26, 2009 7:10PM)
From your response to this critical issue, I can see you are one of those liberal left wing nuts. How can you say the American Legion is a far-right (whacked out) organization? If it weren't for the American Legion and its military members you would be speaking some other language and not english and you wouldn't have half the rights you now enjoy due to the sacrfice that the military members have given to the good old USA. God Bless the Veterans, our current military members and America.
TRUEEEEEEE
Telling you younger people the truth. You see my Dad/Grandad/Uncles/Aunts/Cousins and TONS of Friends gave the LIVES so you could speak English. Even now some of you don't even want to do that (speak english)
BRK (73 yrs old & served six yrs. my self)
Trueeeeeee
If you live in America then speak English, I tired of hearing every other lanuage when I'm trying to eat a meal with my wife and not able to understand what they are saying.. Hey I Like to Listen to gossip,HaHa
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