AFA Objects to Budget Impact on Retirees

Along with many other veterans organizations, the Air Force Association (AFA) has objected to several provisions in the President’s fiscal 2007 budget that it says would seriously affect veterans. First is the plan to impose huge increases in Tricare enrollment fees and deductibles for military retirees under age 65. Second would be an increase for Medicare-eligible retirees’ co-pays in the Tricare retail pharmacy network. Third would be an annual enrollment fee of $250 and an almost doubling of pharmacy co-payments for veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8 without service-connected disabilities. AFA chairman Stephen P. Condon, said, “Defense spending currently accounts for approximately four percent of America’s GDP, an insignificant amount historically when compared to past wars.” He said he believes the American people are willing to sacrifice to provide our military with the resources needed to defeat the enemy, if asked (see next two items).