TRICARE, also known as the\u00a0Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services\u00a0(CHAMPUS), provides civilian\u00a0health benefits\u00a0for\u00a0military personnel, vets and their\u00a0dependents. As the defense budget continues to be slashed, many vet advocates have expressed concern that TRICARE would be affected. But the House armed services subcommittee on military personnel rejected the White House’s plan to substantially increase TRICARE fees over the next five years for military retirees and their families. It also rejected a proposal to vary the fees based on individual retiree’s pay levels.<\/p>\n
The House panel did agree to allow a $4 co-pay increase for retirees and their family members below the age of 65 for outpatient care. Doctor visit co-pays are slated to increase to $16, while the co-pay for mental health care visits will stay at $12. The $4 increase is expected to save funds for health programs and medical research. The Department of Defense has not been authorized (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TRICARE, also known as the\u00a0Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services\u00a0(CHAMPUS), provides civilian\u00a0health benefits\u00a0for\u00a0military personnel, vets and their\u00a0dependents. As the defense budget continues to be slashed, many vet advocates have expressed concern that TRICARE would be affected. But…<\/span><\/p>\n