Armed Forces News

Retired Air Force Col. George “Bud” Day, a Medal of Honor holder, says the Keep Our Promises to America’s Military Retiree Act is a “rifle shot.” The bill, HR-3474, would waive Medicare Part B premiums for retirees who entered service before June 7, 1956, and would allow retirees and their dependents to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. It also would provide reimbursement for drug payments at Tricare network rates for those without access to a pharmacy in the Tricare retail network. Day said that the bill had more than 100 cosponsors by early January, and he expects to see a companion bill introduced in the Senate. June 7, 1956 is the date that lifetime medical care for retirees and dependents converted from a promise to space available.