More than 1.3 million working-age veterans don’t have health insurance and are failing to take advantage of health care available through Veterans Affairs, a new study finds.
Researchers at the Urban Institute used census data to estimate health insurance coverage for veterans aged 19 to 64.
While veterans are more likely to have health insurance than the general population, about 1 in 10 of the nearly 12.5 million veterans under age 65 do not have health coverage either through the VA or other insurers.
The rates of uninsurance appear to be especially high for veterans under age 35.
“They are disproportionately younger, and they appear to have served more recently,” said Genevieve Kenney, a senior fellow with the Urban Institute and co-author of the report.
Kenney said the uninsured veterans also tended to have lower incomes and lower levels of education and were less likely to be full-time workers than the veterans with health coverage.
Contrary to popular belief, veterans are not automatically eligible for health care coverage once they leave the military. Jacob Gadd, deputy director for health care with the American Legion, said health coverage is generally provided to the poorest and the most badly injured of those who have served.
For example, combat veterans are eligible for five years of free medical care for any service-related issues. Other veterans can get at least some coverage for injuries if they can prove they are related to their service.
In addition, veterans who have very little income or are in financial distress can qualify to receive care through Veterans Affairs medical centers. (The VA provides an overview of who is eligible.)
Gadd said many veterans don’t appear to be aware of what benefits are available to them, especially if they have injuries from their time in service.
Dads, are you feeling pressure to do it all?
American Legion research has shown that only about half of military members who have returned home from deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan have enrolled in the VA for health care.
“We are worried about the other half, whether they know if benefits are available to them,” Gadd said.
Gadd said some veterans may be choosing not to seek out health care, especially if they have post-traumatic stress or other conditions they fear could carry a stigma.
There are clear costs to not having health insurance. Kenney, of the Urban Institute, said separate research has shown that high numbers of uninsured veterans have health issues that are not being addressed.
About one-third of uninsured veterans said they were delaying care due to cost, the researcher found.
Related:
Younger veterans want to work, but face roadblocks
More workers opting out of company health care plans
Leave a Comment:
Its nice to know that the GOP wants to cut Veterans benefits even more. Thanks GOP!!! This shows that the GOP only cares about fiscal responsibility. They will start a war on lies and then neglect the veterans when they come back!!!
Actually they don't care about fiscal responsibility...none of their plans does anything but pile debt on debt
It is not only the Veterans, there are over 50 million Americans without health insurance and we are the nation who spends the most on healthcare. We need a complete makeover of our healthcare system.
Obama and the democrat congress and senate, had a golden opportunity to design a universal ,one payer system for this country; instead they caved ion to the special interest drug company's and insurance lobby; and came up with the Frankenstein that they are attempting to force down the throats of America; the court will rule next month to throw the entire thing out; then let us get back to work and come up with real health reform, not a insurance company wet-dream.
We need to eliminate the VA Heathcare System since it is run by the government and such is socialist in nature. Veterans should be placed under private health care since the government does a terrible job at running things.
People fail to see how well privatization works. Look at the school lunch system it was privatized and now they just open cans and boxes of goodness for our children!
The VA health system would work better in a corporations hands!!! They save money at all cost !
The VA health system is a prime example of socialized medicine that so many of you want. The veterans that don't have health insurance and aren't taking advantage of the VA health care system have probably given up trying to get anything from the VA. My own experience and that of friends is that trying to get competent treatment at a VA hospital is nearly impossible. If you get to see a doctor, it usually results and no treatment and another appointment to see a different doctor. When you get pissed off at the poor service, you are refused additional service until you go to their anger management clinics. You have virtually no say in your health care and have no choice. I'd rather have the health care we have now, then one that would mimic the VA model.
What the hell are any of you talking about. Obama and the Democrats passed a HUGE health care bill that was suppose to cover everyone, and now your blaming Republicans for some people CHOOSING not to take advantage of health benefits. Completely idiotic, everything posted above seems so far from reality it is hard to even think we read the same story.
Thank you Realist for some sanity!
And GUESS WHAT? They are getting ready to dump 40,000 more on the unemployed and uninsured rolls every year for the next FIVE YEARS, the glad handers and nay sayers need to brush up on their history and look up the term "hooverville"
It is doing a good job, Im getting a refund from my Health insurance company!!! lololol Im loving it!! 1st time in history , 10 day!!! lolololol
Obama/Biden 2012
Every member of the military should be given an insurance card at enrollment for themselves and family that entitles them to treatment for life at any medical facility, free at VA facilities and 20% cost (like Medicare) elsewhere if they have completed their term of service with anything but dishonorable discharge. It's difficult enough for many veterans to transition into civilian life without having the additional worry about their own and their families' medical care. Another reason for single payer for all.
Once you're done fighting for the rich man, you're nothing but a turd to them!
This country does a horrible job of getting information out to its citizens - but that is intentional. Everything is designed so that you have to hire a lawyer or firm just to explain crap to us, you will get no respect by the system if you try and go it alone... guess who set up the systems?
With my Labor & Industries injury, I had more information to present the claims manager and judge than my lawyer presented (before he took me on as a client) - I got no respect and had to do appeal after appeal just to keep getting the run around.
Now that I've been declared permanently disabled (that only took 11 years), they have to combine the L&I benefits with Social Security Disability benefits - now SSD says that even though one system claims you are disabled, it doesn't mean SSD has to consider that - so now I start the entire process over with an SSD lawyer. I had an operation every 4.2 months - but SSD says my doctors say I could have still worked during that time... WTF???
Floretta, as a Marine Veteran, I completely disagree with you about lifetime coverage for every member of the military. The VA should be reserved for those who are combat injured or fully retired (they are the ones who earned it). I served during peace time and suffered no ill effects due to my service. It was my honor to serve the country and the country owes me nothing in return. In all honesty, due to the lack of geographic coverage (you have to live near a VA hospital to be treated by one) the VA should be shut down and the deserving veterans should be treated at a local hospital and have their services paid for by Uncle Sam, just like the lawmakers in DC. Also, if the military wanted the fighting men and women to have families, they would be issued to them. The military is no place to raise a family.
I think Obama is more concerned with his fical economy, than our fiscal economy!
Really? Because I'm a vet on 100% disability (having gotten out in '03) and I have been very happy with the service I receive at the Loma Linda VA. I'm fully covered in medical, dental and optical, and every time I need to see a specialist the wait is never more than a month/month and a half, unlike almost any other medical programs. And definitely quicker than in Canada or the UK with their socialized medicine where the wait can be over 2 years.
Has everything been all roses and caviar? No. There were a few hiccups at first getting my wife setup with CHAMPVA. But after that things were fine and almost all issues were resolved to my satisfaction.
So you may speak for yourself, speak for your friends if you like, but you do not speak for me.
For those of you jumping on the Republicans, google "Obama and Tricare" and see how well he wants to take care of vets.
I have had the better health care from my VA then my private insurance company. That is a fact!! I use it more then my private health care!!
Wow, taking other peoples tax dollars when you do not need them and YOU are the one that is pissed?
What a joke. You are the problem, I will give you the solution.
Capitalism, there is none in our current health care, that is why it is so screwed!
VA health care isn't especially cheap unless you were discharged with some form of disability from your service.
What we all need is a public option, which would allow the rest of us who aren't rich to get health care, and let the GOP shut the hell up about private enterprise in the system.
saxon...placing all the blame on Obama is dumb..considering that this has been going on for way more years than Obama could have ever been in any office. We have over 500 politicans in washington who are to blame for the failure of our economic system in this country. They, congress, are the ones that have allowed millions of dollars from lobbyist to come their way and give them directions as to what they are suppose to do. Everything done by either administration over the years has been guided by lobbyist who have their own ideas of who is more valuable in this country..and guess what..it is not the middle class in this country..nor is it the country at all..it is all about profits.
David, there is no capitalism in our current health care system. It is run exactly like a GSE, how would making it one help?
Chris, glad you're all happy with your health benefits program. But you are also either misinformed or just plainly a liar whenever you state " And definitely quicker than in Canada or the UK with their socialized medicine where the wait can be over 2 years". I have many Canadian friends and never once have I heard such. They have a priority system, whereby your condition or needs are assessed as to their ability to be life altering, to threatening, and are treated with the relative expedience thereof. Know what you're talking about before you spew ilk perpetuated by our health insurers, who are simply in it for the money.
Living barefoot - you are so wrong it's just laughable. There's no capitalism in our healthcare system? Baloney. If that were true people would only have to pay what they can afford. So many people are crippled by health care debt. And here's a thought that seems to have slipped your mind: we have no national health insurance! We're supposed to be a great power in the world and yet we can't take care of our own citizens. It's repulsive.
VA care is only available in VA hospitals or at a military medical facility. These aren't located in every town or on every street corner. Unfortunately, the 1% of Americans that volunteer to serve are routinely forgotten by the rest of the citizens unless it's Memorial Day or unless the military is in the news.
Chris from Yucaipa - How come you know so much about Canada and the UK's Health Care Systems. When in all reality you do not, the majority of people in both of those countries much prefer there system to ours. My son is a Veteran (US Marine) and has trouble getting treatment with the VA. Thank goodness he is also a UK citizen and can go home and get proper treatment in a good HC System. Facts prove that a single payer system is the way to go, what is amazing is that the people who would benefit most actually oppose the idea.
"Serve" in the senate and get free healthcare for life. Serve in Iraq etc. and you might get healthcare, but mainly only if you are injured. Brilliant priorities. Sounds about right...
And all those people dogging VA healthcare, everyone I know who is eligible and uses it do not complain about it, and seem to like it. So I think the "all bad" viewpoint is a bit biased. And I can tell you, even with my paid private healthcare (non-vet), I see terrible doctors out there. It sucks everywhere sometimes. I know a couple people from England, they like their healthcare. Stop making things up people. Guess what, we also have long wait times for doctors here too (good ones at least). I have had to wait months for appointments and procedures here in the good old US of A in the past. Again, private insurance coverage
Jen, is capitalism the more you spend the more you make or is that more of a government philosophy?
Our current system is designed so the more health insures spend, the more they make. I have and can explain this to you.
What this article inexplicably leaves out is that due to rationing the VA blocks nearly all eligible veterans from getting benefits. All veterans are technically eligible, however, this "great" -- note sarcasm -- government run health care can't handle the load, meaning 80% of eligible veterans are blocked from accessing the system that they were promised.
That why I laugh when people say "See! Government run health care is great! Just look at the VA!". Uhhh, guys...the VA is a very highly rationed system that fails nearly 80% of the people it is designed to -- and supposed to -- cover.
BTW, pissedoffperson...the only reason the Republicans say we need to include cuts to veterans benefits as part of debt reduction is because Democrats have run this country like a kid in a candy store with a tax payer financed credit card (and frankly the Republicans weren't much better in the early 2000s). Our debt is now to the point where we have little choice but to either cut close to the bone or turn into Greece. I know that and I'm not even a Republican.
Lvingbarefoot
I earned my benefits!
For profit healthcare is the problem.
I want, and I am willing to fight for and die for a healthcare system that takes care of very single American whether you are dirt poor or wealthy.
And other system that favors money and profits over the populations well being is an abomination to humanity.
Republicans disgust me... I want to vomit after reading their tripe
Gotta hate for profit food distribitors and grocery stores. Building suppliers and contractors making a profit, how terrible! Clothing manufacturers and the retail stores, they must also quit making profits.
Damn, Dong, we are almost to Cuba. All we need are armed drones watching us and a little more government in our lives and everything will be perfect.
YOU ARE CLUELESS!
Yes, the health insurance industry is screwed up by greedy bastards, but capitalism is what stops greedy bastards from doing just that. Once you learn that capitalism is not greed but the instrument that keeps greed in check, you will realize what made the United States great!
Misleading information:
For a service-connected injury there is no five year limit for treatment of that injury.
BS! How exactly does capitalism stop greedy bastards, can you give us an example? Uncontrolled capitalism in a shrinking insurance market encourages greed! How do you explain rescission and exclusions for preexisting conditions insurance policies? What is their incentive to control their greed?
America, the WAR MACHINE, fails to take care of their veterans. And the surprise is what? This society is controlled by the Military Industrial Complex, Wall Street and Banksters who just use people!
Not so long ago there was the suggestion to open up to cross state competition for health insurance but for some reason it was shot down by the left. Can someone help me understand why? Seems logical that when you have many companies competing for your dollars that there will be all sorts of savings for individuals and families which will help the cost of policies to become cheaper as well as both physician and hospital costs.
Sadly, your sarcasm is unnoticed by the oligarchs. They actually believe that kind of crap.
Why can't all American citizens get the same automatic healthcare package as those quality characters in our various branches of government?
Veterans certainly deserve to be first in line, but everyone's healthcare should matter as much as that of the politicians whose paycheck you provide with your taxes.
onemanvolt, Ill try harder next time lol
Blame it on the republicans, what a idiotic statement. Dems had the chance to save the world but pissed it away. The VA is a poorly run government agency just like the rest of the agencies that waste and steal tax payers money, thankyou dems.
Bitch about capitalism, what do you want? Complete communism, everyone gets their share, screw the companies, rich give it all away to the lazy bums? What is your answer liberalazies? Class warfare and wealth re-distribution is nothing but communism, it ain't socialism people.
Single payer for everyone. This conversation becomes moot. Capitalism should be restricted to the provider, NOT THE PAYER. Private doctors and hospitals competing in a marketplace where all approved services are covered and payed for by our taxes. THAT SAVES AT LEAST 20% RIGHT OFF THE TOP BY ELIMINATING INSURANCE COMPANY PROFIT. And, if you have a brain in your head, you will realize that the INSURANCE COMPANIES PROVIDE NO HEALTH CARE. Why are we paying AT LEAST 20% of our HEALTH CARE DOLLARS TO AN ENTITY THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE HEALTH CARE. And that 20% is probably low. That does NOT include ADVERTISING. Advertising is called "health education" and is considered health care in the statistics.
Not HEALTH CARE reform. HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM.
Go to 10 different VA hospitals and you will likely get 10 different levels of service. I've heard horror stories about the VA, but the Omaha hospital has been great. Trying to get in for just a sniffle may be trying, but their doctors also work at the University of Nebraska Medical Center so the level of care is good. Granted, trying to get an appointment that isn't a month or so away is...difficult, I can't complain.
Many people don't know, like I didn't, that if you reach a certain disability percentage you can enroll for all your medical care and not just the disability issue. You just have to make one appointment a year to stay enrolled. Benefit information is lacking and much of the information provided by the military is just plain wrong.
Nuff said!
What many libs don't consider is that Obama Care will break the bank... We cannot afford such a program. Further, doctors don't like it, drug companies are skeptical, and healthcare will degenerate into a universal waiting list...
Ever heard of a "mixed economy"?
I'm eligible for VA (with a co-pay), but try getting in! They are swamped with returning war vets, who admittedly SHOULD the top priority. All people who claim that they are CONSERVATIVE and "support our military" should get on this to assure that the Dept. of Veterans Affairs has at least enough funding and facilities to serve the men and women who fought for this country.
I favor capitalism in most businesses as best meeting the needs of the market. If I don't like the cars or the prices at the Ford dealer, I can go down the road to Nissan or Toyota. If I'm having a heart attack or a stroke or even a kidney stone, I have neither the time nor the ability to get on the Internet and compare prices and benefits of various hospitals and physician groups nor to negotitate prices. Health care is hardly "just another business" and can hardly be regulated as such. The insurance available through my employment is little more than a bad joke, since I am employed by one of the thousands of companies (including some of the Fortune 500 giants) which has received a "waiver" so that they can offer a level of coverage which fails to meet even the minimal standards of the AFPPA. Buying my own coverage is an equally farcical option as long as insurance companies can rate me up for my prexisting health conditions or refuse to cover them at all.
BTW, far more of the dollars expended by Medicare and even VA go to actual healthcare versus overhead as compared to the private sector.
Wow, all the Fox News talking points about the Affordable Care Act in one paragraph!
Yeah and while he's concerned with that, you should be concerned with your lack of knowledge in spelling. You really should give that 6 year old a call. I'm pretty sure she would be more than happy to help....... -_-
Pissedoffperson:
As a 22-year vet, I agree with every one of your comments....except the first one. Where did you get the fairytale that the GOP wants to cut VA benefits? It is my job to follow veterans' benefits, and I know of no such GOP plan. Quite to the contrary, most GOPers want to increase all veterans benefits, by reducing feel-good welfare giveaways to deadbeats.
Why is marlene10497's comment collapsed? Just because one may disagree with it, as I do, doesn't make it violative in anyway of the CoH/ToS. Maybe we need a "thumbs down" so we can disagree with people who are in no way abusive nor obscene nor spammers, but merely "wrong".
More Fox News drivel.
I daresay that you do not know one single person living the good life on "welfare."
Perhaps if you tune out Fox News, you wouldn't be so constantly full of, um, misinformation. Fox News is the place where bloviated ignoramuses get their absurd notions.
Those who I personally know, drawing any kind of public assistance, are there because they had no other options.
VA treatment for Vets it not all it is made out to be. VA contracts with no local providers, ER, Imaging, etc. These Vets must travel long distances, and at times out of state, i.e., Oregon or Nevada, for services that could very well be provided right here at home. Are they free to use local providers? No. They are told IF they decide to use any local ER's, Imaging Centers, it will not be covered. The closest ER in the North State is 5 -6 hours South, in San Francisco. Need a CT scan or and MRI- you luck out! You only now have to drive to Sacramento, about 3 hours away, if you are ahead of the traffic. BUT their dependents can go to any local hospital, Imaging Center, and it is a covered expense for them WHY? Oh, then, if you have ever been lucky enough to see the Vets medical chart - there is NO method to its madness. Good luck on follow up appointments. Are you for the results of those tests? . I KNOW the results must be in there somewhere. But the MD can't find them. Check back in a few weeks. It is so sad what they are subjected to.
renee, many years ago, GE health care and another competitor build mobile cat scans and sophisticated heart evaluators which were to travel throughout the American west, rural areas. They were to be set up for one work day at a particular clinic or village.
No reason VA cannot have mobile clinics. Perhaps 2 or 3 semi trailers.
VA is darn good results here, period. I do thank the democrats for improving VA the past few years. I do thank the VA for opening the files for desert storm vets, of whom about 55,000 have physical health issues such as growths, very unusual joint pain, etc. We made a few mistakes: vaccinations were given together in bavaria instead of three days apart. 2nd armor division, 3rd brigade of 3rd Infantry division et al. We just drove on into the burning oil fields in Kuwait. We blew up a nerve gas depot and the vapors wafted. And MRE's every day! These were designed for quick energy in combat - not everyday fare.
Today, in afghan, our folks are getting MRE's and pizza. What a damn lazy supply system!! And what health effects - short and long term - will soldiers have from this crap.
To those who live so far from a VA clinic or hospital, sorry. That is why I propose clinics on wheels to visit your county.
There are about 6 million combat veterans. Expect at least 1 million do have nightmares and do need some one to listen.
I retired with twenty years and PTSD + Agent Orange exposure. I've screamed and fought and hit my wife in my sleep. I now have Parkinson's Disease, serious Skin Cancer, peripheral neuropathology and several other health problems.
Just recently the VA grudgingly agreed I have had PTSD since before I retired but they are not going to correct their years of mistakes and denial. They aren't even going to grant me disability pay for it much less back pay.
The VA is convinced I'm lying about being exposed to Agent Orange, even though I have given them indisputable evidence. Wonder if they will give me any more disability when I am finally forced to hire a lawyer to get something owed to me for 42 years.
All I can say is that the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, is a shining example of efficient, courteous and caring health care professionals. A wide variety of specialists are on hand, the latest in technology is utilized. The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System partners with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to not only treat patients but to assist with training of some of the brightest medical professionals.
VA will cover real emergencies when a VA ER is not available for life-saving care (ie. a heart attack). I live in the same city as a VA hospital and 40 miles from another large VA hospital (Gainesville, FL) that is attached to University of Florida. If they do not have the facilities (mammorgrams, specialized MRI's, etc) I am made an appointment at a local facility (non-VA) that does and the VA pays for it. All my treatment has been exceptional, whether it is for a service connected issue or not. I have a service related cancer (radiation exposure).
Don't worry though...a president romney will replace your current care with sensible conservative healthcare reforms...in other words if you have money you get coverage...
don't worry, there will never be a "president romney"!
GOP Health Care Plan:
You Poor! Go Die Now!
De2Or2010
"don't worry, there will never be a "president romney""!
There could be...
Our country's greatest tragedy and disgrace, that any veteran should need for anything. Why would anyone want to risk their life for a country that provides nothing for them in return. Our veterans should never have to worry about health care, foreclosures, etc. Maybe we should worry about keeping our money here and taking care of our own crisis here at home instead of trapesing around trying to be the world police/providers.
Savannah, we do not serve so that we can or expect to get someting in return. If there are those who do expect something in return, they are not serving for the right reasons. The only thing that I would like to receive for my service to this country in the Marine Corps, is the American flag to be draped over my coffin after I die, period.
I'll agree with you about veterans needing anything if they were drafted! Anyone that willingly joins i dont agree. Get an education so you can get a job when you're done with your service and pay for you own way. No more handouts!
Some men and women join because they want to serve their country, not because they want a handout. I think you are a very unpatriotic person, who obviously doesn't appreciate living in a free land that people died so you could live that way, you sound like a spoiled coward. I come from a long line of soldiers, who have fought in every war except the Gulf War. I am very proud of their service.
Ryno - so what you're saying is that in today's all volunteer force, anyone who loses his/her limbs or has traumatic brain injuries that make them 100% disabled doesn't deserve any government-paid medical care or assistance of any kind?
Bull@!$%#. Those people are there because they volunteered, not because they were forced to by being drafted. Tons of people signed up after 9/11, knowing that they would go to war and you think they don't deserve VA benefits? That's like telling a reservist that served 2 or 3 tours that s/he's not a real soldier.
FYI - the majority of those young people who died for you did so because they thought they were joining the military to make their lives better! Not every soldier is an infantryman. And infantrymen aren't just grunts with a gun. I've seen tons of young people in the military (my husband has been in the army for 16 years) who were the most educated people in their family and/or doing better than their families. They join to escape poverty and leave their hometowns where there are no job opportunities. They join to learn skills that can help them later on. And they join with the hope that they can use the GI bill to do exactly what you say they should: get educated. The fact that they get injured, often severely, can keep them from becoming gainfully employed post-military. And that's only the physical injuries.
And if we follow your logic, no employer is responsible for the injuries that any employee sustains while on the job. That's why we have OSHA, you moron. It doesn't matter if you joined so you could get a good job or so you could have college debt paid off or if you just really wanted to serve. Nobody goes in to the army/navy/marines/air force because they think it's a really cushy job and they really want to exploit all the services that are available to vets. Because nobody really wants to be a vet. Nobody wants to go to war. War is horrible. And if you think I'm wrong, I'm sure that there are soldiers in Afghanistan who would gladly have you take their place so they can be at home with their families instead of risking death in a place the majority of their countrymen could care less about.
Jen: thank you. You said it very eloquently.
Ryno: Your coments lead me to believe that perhaps you subscribe to "Dulce et decorum es pro patria morire," the ancient Roman army statement:"It is sweet and decorous to die for one's country." Is that it? Just let the GI go out and get killed? Or mesed up? And then leave them be? Ignore them? thanks a lot, pal. Don't worry, though. The GIs will still save your butt. Ungrateful jerk!
I never joined the service and I never would.. I would have to be proud of this country and what it stands for to make that sacrifice, but when you read republican mind sets and tea party BS you realize that this country is chocked full of evil.
Seriously there was a reason to serve and be stuck in Iraq for 6 years??? Anyone who thinks a person should feel proud to serve in the Iraq war or Afghanistan AFTER Bush completely abandoned the hunt for Osama Bin Laden is ---cked in the head.. Those good men and women were used and abused for the benefit of a few entitled @!$%#s
RESTART THE DRAFT. Make the draft lottery number inversely proportional to family income so that the RICH GO FIRST.
Result: NO MORE WAR!
Oh I thot the dems voted for the Iraq and Afg war? They did you nitwit, you must be a coward, we called em draft dodgers in the 60's along with coward. The citizens do not decide what foreign conflict to get involved in and not, imagine if that was the mindset of people b4 WWII like you...we might be speaking Japanese. F you, if you think that anyone but repubs gain from war...you are self deluded
justredd64: Bravo! Well said.
Question, very loudly, anyone of either party who vote for the Iraq and or Afghan wars and then votes against sufficient appropriations to take care of those who served.
Willard "Mitt" Romney had it right when he said "Suffer not the little children", as he instituted RomneyCare here in Massachusetts, where 98.5% of our residents now have health coverage, and this includes our Veterans.
Fortunately,Pres. Obama was able to locate the Team which Gov. Romney put together to create RomneyCare, and Obama hired the same team to create ObamaCare...God Bless Both of these Christian men.
SRS-798254
"RESTART THE DRAFT. Make the draft lottery number inversely proportional to family income so that the RICH GO FIRST.
Result: NO MORE WAR!"
Would that were so ... The entire twenty years I was in the military a draft was in effect. During this time I saw a few avoid the draft on some minor pretext. Rush Limbaugh serves as a good example. He had a simple little Pilonidal Cyst on his butt and used it to get out of service to his country. I had mine removed at sick call one morning and worked the rest of the day. The children of politicians and the very rich served in jobs where they were not likely to get their hands dirty, much less be exposed to bad weather. I can name a number of them. Some with names you would recognize.
The draft was a cruel joke played on the poor by the rich.
Pilonidal Cyst
I used to work with a guy with one of those, and it/he was so malodorous that it was all that you could do to stay in the same room with him, but it was considered to be a "disability". I wouldn't want to be in close military-style quarters with anyone like that, but apparently yours (and seemingly Rush's) was easily treatable; this guy claimed that his was somehow inoperable, but then he would've easily made two of Rush at his largest ...
As they age and their health starts to fail, they will go get their benefits. I hardly ever went to the doctor when I was in my 20's and 30's. I still rarely ever need to go except for physicals.
Did you ever suffer from PTSD ? Do you know how debilitating it is ? Do you know WHAT it is ?
Shameful we can continue to send Israel 3 Billion a year in "aid" but we can not even help our veterans.
I agree. No aid should ever be given to Israel. They stole the land from Palestine. We are aiding and abetting thieves.
Karl Heidelberg, you old NAZI, you...........shame,shame...a pox on your name and your fascist forebears !
When are we going to stop this silly "health insurance" game and have real healthcare for our citizens? Many so-called conservatives tout their Christian credentials, but fail to heed the call to take care of the less fortunate. In my mind they are just plain STINGY!
So less fortunate are people that chose to join the military instead of getting an education and a real job? Sounds like a bad life decision vs. being less fortunate!
Actually, thoughtless, inconsiderate and in some cases malevolent are better fits if you ask me. The thing is, as the conservatives continue to undermine the once expected fair wages/benefits for a fair days work concept by busting unions and encouraging corporations to ship jobs overseas for tax advantages and cheap labor, whenever the time comes they will find themselves ill-effected by the actions (or lack of) their leaders perpetuated. Only then will the majority of conservative-voting Christians begin to see their own folly. Middle class America is a rapidly endangered species and Christians these days haven't a clue what that Good Book they profess to believe says. "There but for the grace of God go I" isn't something they understand and compassion to them means "I have a job, and health insurance so don't expect me to contribute to your well-being" But it's ok to create a society like we have apparently. It keeps the military well stocked with folks who have no other options if they want to eat, have the necessities and perhaps receive some form of education. Conservativism: the act of thinking with as few brain cells as possible.
Please stop calling the GOP conservative. There is absolutely NOTHING conservative about the GOP. They are reactionary Neo-Colonialists with a distinct odor of oligarchy. There is NOTHING CONSERVATIVE about THAT!
"Conservativism: the act of thinking with as few brain cells as possible."
Now that is funny!! Hit the nail right on the head! Why do those on the far right, professing to be Christians, think that throwing the poor off welfare rolls and denying health care to those who cannot afford to pay is the right thing to do? Is that what Jesus would do? The Bible states we should love one another and care for those that are less fortunate. It is really tough out here and if you have searched for but can't find a job, what other choice is there after unemployment runs out but to accept welfare? Those people who run the big corporations and those in Congress need to do their part and return jobs to the United States, create jobs and quit the politics-as-usual game they have been playing.
Greedy Old Pricks
Fortunately, this November we will have either the creator of RomneyCare, or ObamaCare in the White House......
When Romney was our governor here in Massachusetts, he created RomneyCare, which today works well, and 98.5% of our residents have health coverage...this means that kids get medical treatment when their illnesses are minor,so they don't become major..."Suffer not the Little Children"....Jesus H. Christ
Pres. Obama located and hired the same healthcare team which Romney created, to create ObamaCare...but in a watered down version of RomneyCare...whatever, its better than folks in the USA have now...
Problem is that the government can't manage to put together good health care coverage with the VA or even with the various public employees insurance programs. My husband is a school teacher in Arkansas and the insurance options offered by the government run program are so expensive we can't afford the coverage they offer. The teacher pays about $250 for themselves, $500 a month if they want to add their children. And $900 a month if you want to cover the whole family (taken out of a $3800 per month gross salary) Do the math....leaves only $2900 gross to live on.
If the government can't find reasonably priced coverage for veterans or their own public employees what makes anyone think they can do better for the rest of the population?
It's not just the veterans who need health care, it's everyone. It's time we moved to a single-payer system, and stopped the for profit health care "industry". Every other industrialized country in the world provides health care for its citizens, just not ours.
Just about every developed country, including the U.S., is struggling with the cost of health care. In 2009, the largest 14 insurers had profits of roughly $9 billion; that approached 0.4 percent of total health spending of $2.472 trillion. This hardly explains high health costs.
germany is not struggling with the cost of health care while providing all their citizens coverage. they have a very good system there maybe we should ask them to help set one up here for us in the US.
eric1964 - and the germans are agreeable to pay higher taxes to have those bennies. Somehow I don't see Americans running to their representatives wanting higher taxes. However they sure do vote for those promising less taxes.
Actually WE are the only country that pays almost 18% of its GDP for healthcare costs. Almost twice as much as the rest of the industrialized world. We pay far more and get far less.
PETER17:
The PROFIT is only a part of it. Add in all the BS that has to happen at the doctor's office, the administrative overhead, the fancy buildings and the advertising being called "education" and you are looking at 20 to 25% given to an entity that PROVIDES NO HEALTH CARE. Oh yeah. And you wnt DEATH PANELS? We already HAVE THEM and they are in session at ALL THE INSURANCE COMPANIES!
Eric if you pay taxes check out the tax rate for Germany...are you willing to pay that for socialized health care? We can't afford what the government is doin now, where does the money come from for new programs in health care, oh I know wealthy give it up so the less fortunate can have what what the wealthy have...what do you do when the wealthy run out of money?
SRS: Bingo! Even back to the "Harry and Louise" days I could only shake my head at the old saw of "How could anyone want to put government between me and my doctor?" when even back then, and even more now, insurance company care managers are already there. Except for the truly wealthy (the actual 1%) who can afford to pay for all of their health care privately, the private sector already has its standards for what will and won't be covered, and they are limited not by the amount annually appropriated for care by Congress, but considerations of 'return on equity'. Why should everything that I have worked most of my adult life to have be taken away over one bad spell of illness, or my spouse be left in poverty?
Its a shame that Veterans come after obamas welfare slugs and illegals( potential obama voters). Alot of Veteran facilities dont have enough doctors or staff.this is a crime that the people who defend this country come last on the dems list. obama has increased welfare 41% in 3 yrs. how many more if hes reelected. he is trying to destroy this country and OH ,A US President doesnt bow to a muslim king. A disabled USMC combat vet
As a Combat Marine myself, i'm glad to see that you buy into the hype about the President.. But you seem to forget that he's the one trying to [rotect your benifets, not take them away like some others that sent you to war in the first place.. I thought we Marines were taught to think, w nnbvbvb
No you're right... a real American President (Like George W) kisses them on the cheeks and then holds hands with them. You idiot
Imagine what we could do if we didnt send foreign aid to 150 countries . Imagine how many young Marines and soldiers could be helped if we didnt support the world
Imagine how many less soldiers you would need if these wars were never started in the first place.
yep get rid of all soldiers cause no one would possibly want this country, no need for defense.
One payer system people.............if congress doesnt get it......thats because they have lobbist, insurance companies in their pockets. ARMY STRONG.
maybe they picked wrong job risking their lives and all - should have gotten job in congress or senate would b set for life and you dont have to put your life n danger , show up for work , get anything done - just blame other party and laugh all the way to a swiss bank but the vets will get a nice parade and a lot of lip service
This country has no idea how badly vets are being treated in the clinics of the VA. It is shameful, and it is not health care. They cause you so much grief with their rude employees, lack of doctors, appointment screw ups, med mistakes, cant get hold of anyone, stupid phone systems, the list goes on and on and on. An expose should be done on the horrible state of affairs with the VA. I wrote to my congressman, a republican ...Lindsey Graham...has not bothered to even call me back or write after a two month wait. It is shameful and the American people do not know what we are being subjected to as veterans.
Reopen Priority Groups 7 and 8. I am a Pri Group 8 veteran and it has been a godsend to me. My own experience with the VA system has been great. No complaints. Good people who care about the vets welfare.
The VA does not treat poor veterans the same as successful ones....the poor veterans are a CASH WINDFALL for the VA; they get BILLIONS to diagnose them CRAZY, ADDICTED, and ALCOHOLICS...FOR LIFE.
The VA was not set up as a profit based corporation, it was set up to provide a service. Wow its hard to imaging that there are people stupid enough to believe you rejco100!
T-man:
Writing you congressman, at least in the sense of a traditional "snail mail" letter is about a total waste. I think that since the anthrax attacks they are all sent to a special postal warehouse to be "sanitized" and I wonder how many really actually make it past there. If you e-mail most of them their staff will get back to you; phone calls, especially to their local offices, seem to get the most results. Remember that 99.5% of the time (at least) their staff never actually refers it to them (unless you are a major donor or media figure, or best of all, a media figure who is a major donor). Also, Graham is now a U.S. Senator and has been for some time.
Priority groups 7 and 8 are open to new enrollees. Check the VA website or go ask your local VA or even your local VFW, American Legion, DAV or others.
Why should Veterans get lifetime benefits...They chose to join the military. Maybe if the military made a stance that only college graduates could be allowed to serve, that way they'd have skills to work in the real world once their Military service is up! These young people today see it as an easy way out, dont get a job, dont go to college, join the military instead! Get a job and pay for your own benefits!
I bet if your face & the entire left-side of your body was blown-off you'd be wheel-chairing through a VA plastic surgery rehabilitation center with hope to be helped.....
I dont think story said thew 1.3 million had body parts blown off, nice exaggerating though.If you joined willingly to the military, that was your decision. I agree some benefits buts not for life and not for free! Also, my face wouldnt be blown off because I'm not dumb enough to join! I have a job and great healthcare, if it happens to me, i have coverage!
If only college grads, we wouldn't have a military force. We'd have a bunch of opt out a$$hole$ like you Ryno. Ryno? What the he!! kind of name is that?? Does that have something to do with your nose? Big nose?? Is that it??
sorry ryno i didnt join because i was dumb. i joined because i felt i had a duty to serve my country. unlike a chicken @ss like your self who is unwilling to thank the ones that served so you can enjoy your freedom and safety.
Oh yes, take the easy way out. Join the army, knowing full well you are going to war after you get out of basic training and AIT, facing suicide bombers and road side grenades. Do you really think that is the easy way out? If the draft was reinstated, you would be on the first plane to Canada with all the other chickens. Don't bother to vote, you don't appreciate the people who died to give you that right. Many join because they can't afford college, and risking their lives is the only way to get an education.
Yeah, right. My Degree really came in handy in dispatching the object target. I am still underemployed in this crappy economy, started by Bush and company in the war I fought in. Angry jarhead.
Why should veteran's get lifetime benefits? Because many of them NEED it. PTSD doesn't just go away and limbs do not just grow back. What would you have them do, Ryno? They can't serve anymore, is throwing them out on the street a better solution? It certainly isn't a cheeper one. A health insurance co is not going to cover them. Nor are many of them employable. You're argument is predicated on the assumption that every vet leaves the military as the entered it. That is simply not the case. Additionally, very few individuals join because they wanted the "easy way out." I joined because I wanted to go to college and had no way of going. For me it wasn't the easy way out, it was a better option. I was injured during a little event you might of heard of at the pentagon in Sept of 2001. I have had to have multiple lung surgeries and get my meds on the VA's dime. I'm not going to apologize for that, nor am I going to apologize for the Masters Degree I have now. (That you paid for by the way, thank you very much.) So, poor decision...not for me. And I believe having worked with many vets they wouldn't change a thing. The VA is not perfect by any stretch, but these men and women need assistance. I'd be all for listening to better options, but simply throwing it out is not the answer.
Ryno,
military easy way out? Mid watches while going to school. Missing family holidays, births of children. Working 20 hours in a day because it needs to be done (you don't get to punch a timeclock), and that doesn't include if you're in a combat zone.
You really should get a clue, you self centered waste of humanity
Why should veteran's get lifetime benefits? Because many of them NEED it. PTSD doesn't just go away and limbs do not just grow back. What would you have them do, Ryno? They can't serve anymore, is throwing them out on the street a better solution? It certainly isn't a cheeper one. A health insurance co is not going to cover them. Nor are many of them employable. You're argument is predicated on the assumption that every vet leaves the military as the entered it. That is simply not the case. Additionally, very few individuals join because they wanted the "easy way out." I joined because I wanted to go to college and had no way of going. For me it wasn't the easy way out, it was a better option. I was injured during a little event you might of heard of at the pentagon in Sept of 2001. I have had to have multiple lung surgeries and get my meds on the VA's dime. I'm not going to apologize for that, nor am I going to apologize for the Masters Degree I have now. (That you paid for by the way, thank you very much.) So, poor decision...not for me. And I believe having worked with many vets they wouldn't change a thing. The VA is not perfect by any stretch, but these men and women need assistance. I'd be all for listening to better options, but simply throwing it out is not the answer.
Again. A draft with the lottery number determined by the inverse of family income. The wealthy go first.
No More War!
Ryno:
Yes, there are people who think that because they were in the service everything should now be totally free for them, and with some of them it's not just health care, it's EVERYTHING. But those people are DAMMED FEW in proportion to all of us who ever served. So quit acting like that is the typical case, it's mostly not.
Millions more veterans refuse to go to the VA because they don't want to be AUTOMATICALLY labeled CRAZY, ADDICTED, ALCOHOLIC, then mandated to 12-Step religious cult AA/NA meetings FOR LIFE, never-ending group therapy nonsense, and take handfuls of meds not even allowed to be tested on Lab Rats.
This story is not entirely true. When you enlist, you enlist for a tour of duty. 2, 4, 6, or 8 years. If you do not complete your 2 year tour, you are not eligible. The only way to not complete the tour is to get kicked out for misconduct. That is why everyone doesn't get coverage. If you went to the Doctor for anything while on active duty and were diagnosed with a disabling condition, you recieve free health care and prescriptions for life,as well as financial compensation for the disability. If you serve honorably, complete your term or enlistment (at least 2 years), you are eligble for health care. This 5 year statement made by the author is simply not true. Your copay is based on your income level. As a GS7 with 3 children and a wife, I pay $0.00 for all treatment. If you are a single Veteran you have to pay copays, just like every other doctor/hospital in the world. If it is for service connected disability, it is free.
The notion that Veteran are being treated by subpar doctors or are receiving subpar health care is bologna! I have been a patient at several VA hospitals in the nation. Gainsville VAMC is staffed by University of Florida Medical School doctors, Philadelphia VAMC is staffed by Penn University and Temple university Medical School Doctors, Durham NC VAMC is staffed by Duke University Doctors. The VA Healthcare that I recieve is so far superior to that of the public hospitals, that I have all treatments for both service connected and non-service conected issues done there.
It is typical mainstream media reporting that picks a topic and then cherry picks the statistics to slant a story to side they choose to be on. I choose VA all day, every day!!
You are soooo wrong!
Christopher Brian Edge - I hate to tell you but the VAs are not giving good care. I don't expect the best ( I would go to Mayo for that), however the care I receive in my area sucks. I think you will see that in the smaller regions such as Fargo, ND. I have to fight for everything in that place. They are performing things like EGD's without the right trained professionals. A GI Dr needs to do this procedure when a digestive disorder is in question. Not an MD. MDs are not trained to know about things like IBS, Crohns, and other digestive disorders. That is exactly what they are doing at Fargo.
As for benefits - it took me 5 years to prove my case and I had actual medical records from when I was active and the symptoms noted from the TMC (troop medical Center). So while you paint a rosey picture that is not the case for many vets.
I grant you that I don't pay anything for the health care but now that I am insured they are charging my insurance company. Before I did not have insurance and it was still free so I put up with the issue. But since they want to charge my insurance company then I EXPECT them to give me care that is equivalent to the other providers that I pay. It should not be sub-par and it is - especially in the specialty Dr professions.
Heck. I get subpar doctors and care with my gold-plated private coverage. Health care in general is broken and only the GOP and the Insurance Companies think differently.
Let me make a small correction. If you are rated for a disability you are provided medical care for that disability. If your disability exceeds a certain percentage (50% I think) you can enroll for general medical care. This is what I did, and the VA hospital I go to is pretty good. This is for me only, my family is not included.
lvingbarefoot, you are sooo naive! And probably pregnant as well....
All VA facilities and personnel are not equal in quality. This is like a debate over, "I had a Chevy and it was a piece of crap, Chevys are horrible cars." vs. "Every good car I ever had was a Chevy. I would never drive anything else. When I go to the dealer he always takes me out to breakfast and sends me a Christmas card and a present every year." Is there a chance that both of these people totally believe that they are telling the truth? Yes.
Some of the finest quality health care which I have ever seen was provided by the VA, as was some of the worst. Some of the most dedicated MDs, PAs, and LPNs I have ever been around were VA employees. Some of the most antiquated hospital equipment and dirtiest hospital areas which I have ever seen was at a VA facility,also. Levels of dedication and wise usage of resources provided vary. That's not that likely to change. Neither is perception. As hard as it is to believe, McDonald's is as popular and as profitable as it is because lots of people really like it. Ditto Walmart.
1.3 million- that is a sizable army...... probably not the smartest idea to screw over the most militarily trained people.... cant wait till a leader bands them together to put the ceos of all these insurance companies in their arrogant place...... tick tock tick tock.....the winds of change are blowing a hurricane
lets do a study on any americans that do not have health coverage, like the small business man who gets left behind because he is not in a group and can not afford to buy a health plan. I feel for EVERYONE who can not afford a health plan to cover their medical needs. Get rid of outragous law suits and bring health care costs down. Lawyers are running this country and will continue to make is so the average person needs them. I am babbling there are lots of issues lets start with Congress & the House being limited terms and not life politicians, maybe we could get some changes then.
Tort reform would not do much of anything to lower costs.
TORT reform is just a way to get subpar practitioners off the hook. There are not too many lawsuits, there are too many lousy doctors. The AMA has made it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to even FIND OUT about a bad doctor, much less get him out of practice.
People like John Edwards nearly shut down the practice of OB/GYN in North Carolina, because they could always get juries that, not surprisingly, had more empathy for heartbroken parents than doctors and their insurors. Tort reform is hardly a panacea, but it will help things like that.
Here's a real reform: End all Rx drug advertising to the general public, even though it would apparently cause the cancellation of all broadcast network TV news programming (shows the age of the audience). This drives drug costs (and hence drug company profits) into the stratosphere. End all tort attorney advertising, which also drives up malpractice premiums and is based on the concept of "Need money? Come and see us and we'll help you think up something to sue someone over." These things don't go on in any other advanced, industrialized country, either.
What do you expect! That was one of Obama's objective, as well as his predicessor, to start some big war between us, over something the CIA helped start, then when our good men go over get killed and wounded, denies them the help they need to recover the lives Obama stole from them. I hate the bastard! And that's just being way too kind. I hate his bloody guts, more than words can express, and I know I'm not alone in my thoughts, as most of God fearing America is right behind me. Advice... Don't vote America! Next Election, stay home and play pee-knuckle with the dog, or something, but don't waste your effort on decisions they've already made at the Bohemian Grove, without the rest of us, being privy.
If there's any terrorists watching, and want to really help this war between us stop, then feel free to bomb the Bohemian Grove, it doesn't represent the America we started. They are just a bunch of devil worshipers.
Thanks for your service Gunny, but you are delusional. Your commander in chief took office as the recession started so blaming increased welfare on him is just stupid. And stop with the Muslim king stuff, it immediately makes you impossible to take seriously. You are the type that is the first to say you should have better health care but you don't care where the money comes from. Romney will increase the Military budget, but he doesn't know where the money will come from either. I am no Obama fan but he will win in November because Romney sounds like Gunny.
Romney is talking military increase spending and no new revenue, this is nuts!
Will he offer to close some overseas military installation's, to help fund the war in IRAN and Afghanistan?
He'll find another Ollie North and get money the GOP way, illeagally.
Maybe close some foreign military installations and spend that money on vets!
I got hurt in the first gulf war and received letters from the VA to seek medical treatment and when I processed out I was asked if I had any injuries.
VA aint perfect, but it's cheaper the Kaiser?
1.3 welfare recipients should have to hand their coverage over to vets that actually did something for the country.
What did they do?
Most on here don't understand that universal health care will destroy small businesses I have 5 employees so if I have to cover even 20 % of their coverage somebodies getting laid off. How many other people will be in the same boat. You guys think the money will magically appear it's not going to happen. If if we raised the top end rate to 95% we still can't pay for SS,Medicare, and health care. I expect to see the economy go to hell pretty fast next year if Obama care is not repealed Along with the Bush tax cuts expiring that's $2,000 a year on a family making 50K along with the health care fine thats coming the middle class is about to take it in the ASS with Obama's next term.
You obviously do not understand the true meaning of Universal Health Care.
I hope you understand you own business better, as I said above "the people that would benefit most are against the option ". Fox News and the Rep party are certainly doing a good job of blindsiding you people.
Yeah. I had to shut down a business because of the cost of health care. Big companies get a break that small firms don't Spread the cost evenly over everyone and take the cost off the back of the business owner and I am open TOMORROW! The GOP is a PACK OF LIARS and FAUX NEWS has made even those THAT WILL BE HELPED BY SINGLE PAYER TO BE AGAINST IT.
Come ON! Do you REALLY think that RUPERT MURDOCH is on YOUR SIDE?
I do understand it and somebody has to pay for it! If your going to run any business your going to have to balance the books to bad our president doesn't give a @!$%# about it.
The VA care that I've received has been great. The Dr's and Nurses and other staff have been very nice and helpful. I don't know where some of you that are complaining have gone but the Amnerican Lake Hospital in Tacoma and the VA outpatient clinic in Bremerton are better than most private clinics I've gone to.
I don't know about being admitted to a hospital though but the rest of the care, etc. is great.
While it is ridiculous that one of the wealthiest nations ever to have existed on this Earth has so many uninsured, it is especially egregious that this extends to those who, at the very least, sacrificed their time to serve in the armed forces. There is no reason why, when they are leaving their respective services, that a full discussion of the rights and benefits that they are entitled to cannot be discussed with them and printed material given to them t use in the future should it become necessary. It appears this is becoming more of a necessity with the kinds on 'hidden' injuries being suffered by so many of our service members. The need for medical treatment may not be obvious at the time of discharge, but will show itself soon, the aftereffect od TBI, PTSD, etc. But, hey, let's just use them and discard them when we don't need them any more and they need us.
This IS done. It is done during the seperation or retirement briefing. I went through it in 95 when I was retired. I was also given a brochure for the VA. This process has improved over time and now each service member is encouraged and even assisted with completing an application for VA services and enrollement while still in the military. If you are being seperated for a medical reason, the medical board review is used for the VA disabiltiy compensation exam. It still is not a perfect or always efficient system, but it is better than what many assume it is.