Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D, Md., has introduced the “Keep Our
Promises to America’s Military Retirees Act.” The legislation
would authorize military retirees 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 if they began service before June 7, 1956. Widows and
widowers of such retirees also would be eligible. “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. In introducing the legislation,
Van Hollen said, “It is ironic that American soldiers are
fighting and dying for freedom in Iraq while American veterans
and military retirees have to fight for health care to which
they are rightfully entitled.”