Keep-Our-Promises Legislation Gains Cosponsors

As of press time the companion Keep-Our-Promises bills, S407, sponsored by Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and HR-602, sponsored by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., had 4 and 138 cosponsors respectively. The bills would authorize military retirees and their family members to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and would waive Medicare Part B premiums for those who are entitled to retired or retainer pay and who began service before Dec. 7, 1956. Widows and widowers of such retirees also would be eligible. In addition, the bills would authorize reimbursement for drugs at Tricare network rates for retirees and retirees’ survivors who do not have access to Tricare retail pharmacies. “Keep our promises” refers to promises given to service members and their families for lifetime medical care upon retirement. Such promises were nullified in 1956 when the law established “space available” medical care.