Armed Forces News

While the administration adheres to the commitment to free health care for active-duty service members, other beneficiaries of military health care could see “modestly higher deductibles and co-pays” under the proposed 2016 defense-spending bill. Retirees, for instance, would see a “modest annual enrollment fee” for TRICARE for Life coverage. Also, the pharmacy co-pay structures would be “adjusted” upward. While active-duty members and their families still would receive free health care, the administration wants to impose fees on family members who “misuse emergency department care.” Retirees and their families also would have to make increased co-payments and absorb higher cost shares for health care as well.