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On August 24, 2009 The American
Legion National Executive Committee adopted Resolution 1,
The American Legion Policy on VA and National Health Care
Reform, Resolution 2,
The American Legion Policy on DOD's Medical Health System
and National Health Care Reform The goal of these
resolutions was to make sure that neither the Department of
Defense's or the Department of Veterans Affairs' health care
delivery systems were adversely impacted by legislation
introduced and passed in each chamber.
Very early in the process, The American Legion received
assurances from key congressional leaders and the President
of the United States that nothing in the national health
care reform legislation would adversely impact either the
DoD or VA health care systems. Both the House and the Senate
have passed their versions of national health care reform
legislation. Both bills are literally over 2,000 pages of
legislative language. In a review of each bill, it appears
neither DoD or VA health care systems will be adversely
impacted; however, the current on-going negotiations between
House, Senate and the White House are being conducted in
"closed sessions" with little to no detailed information
being officially released or reported.
The American Legion will continue to closely monitor
developments and keep The American Legion family informed as
specifics are revealed. Clearly, changes to Medicare's
reimbursement rates to participating health care providers
could possibly have an impact on TRICARE and TRICARE for
Life beneficiaries. This is just one of the many provisions
The American Legion has publicly expressed concerns over.
Another concern deals with any requirement for mandatory
public or private health care insurance. Neither TRICARE nor
VA health care is an insurance provider, but rather a health
care provider. So The American Legion has publicly expressed
its concerns with "cookie cutter" approaches in mandating
health care insurance coverage with the threat of fines or
penalties for noncompliance. Both DoD and VA health care are
earned benefits for honorable military service and the
thanks of a grateful nation.
In keeping with the constitutional intent of the
democratic process, the voice of We, the people remains
absolutely critical in the representative form of government
we enjoy; therefore, you are encouraged to ask your two
Senators and your Representative specific questions you may
have on the issue of national health care reform as it
relates to veterans, servicemembers and their families.
Please feel free to share any responses you may receive
from your elected officials with The American Legion
National Legislative Commission, so we can follow up as
necessary.
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