Military Officer - October 2008 - (Page 31) washingtonscene New study recommends major military compensation and benefit changes, including delay of full retired pay until age 57-60 and higher retiree health fees. L E G I S L AT I V E N E W S T H AT A F F E C T S Y O U Here We Go Again T he 10th Quadrennial I evaluate TRICARE reimbursement rates Review of Military to guarantee sufficient access to health Compensation (QRMC) care providers; issued its final report in early I increase investment in child care and August, recommending major fully fund Impact Aid programs for school changes in the military retirement and districts serving military children; and health care systems, among I eliminate copayments for several other proposals. generic drugs purchased By law, the administrathrough the mail-order The tion convenes a QRMC pharmacy system. QRMC plan every four years to make But MOAA has significant would take problems with QRMC prorecommendations concerning changes in military pay retirement posals that would: and benefits. The report I convert the military retiremoney initially goes to DoD, which ment system to a civilianfrom career style plan under which full then might consider its people contents in making any retired pay wouldn’t be paid recommendations for until age 57-60; to pay congressional action. those who I vest retirement benefits MOAA supports several after 10 years of service; leave. QRMC recommendations, I authorize the services to including proposals to: pay flexible “gate pays” and I establish flexible spendseparation pay at certain ing accounts to let active duty, Guard, and points of service to encourage continued Reserve members set aside pretax dollars service or encourage people to leave, deto cover out-of-pocket expenses for health pending on the services’ needs for certain care and dependent care; kinds of skills at the time; I create a variety of incentive programs I link TRICARE enrollment fees for reaimed at attracting and retaining more tirees and survivors under age 65 to a health care professionals to meet rising percentage of Medicare Part B enrollment health care needs; fees, with means-tested fees based on the I eliminate deductibles and copayments beneficiaries’ adjusted gross income; and for preventive care services (e.g., immuI double copayments for generic and nizations, mammograms, colonoscopies) brand-name medications purchased in that have been proven to reduce longerretail pharmacies and brand-name drugs term health costs; purchased through the mail-order system. OCTOBER 2008 Defense Bill Update I As this column was being written, the Senate was expected to act on the FY 2009 Defense Authorization Bill in September, which includes major amendments on TRICARE fees, the Survivor Benefit Plan, concurrent receipt, and reserve retired pay. See the November issue for important updates. MILITARY OFFICER 31
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