he National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen and protect military families, today told the Personnel Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee military families expect their careful consideration of proposals for military health care reform. NMFA Executive Director Joyce Wessel Raezer conveyed the Association’s message in testimony about recommendations made by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC).
After 18 months of hearings, research, and surveys, the MCRMC released its report which included a recommendation to get rid of TRICARE as it exists today. TRICARE would be replaced by a system resembling of the health benefits offered to federal civilian employees.
“In an era of budget constraints when military families are wary of any proposed change in their benefits as just another attempt to cut costs,” said Raezer. “It’s important to rebuild their trust and to show them their service is valued.”
Included in Raezer’s remarks were strong messages about proposed out-of-pocket costs for military families and the need for better benefits for special needs families.
“Military families worry how a formula based on averages will address larger than average families, or those with a family member with a chronic or catastrophic health condition,” said Raezer.
The MCRMC was charged by Congress to look at everything that affects service members and their families: health care, family support programs, retirement, and other benefits supporting service members and families. However, those recommendations will mean nothing unless lawmakers act on them.
“Congress should be debating the merits of the MCRMC recommendations and examining the status quo to ensure the best results for military families,” said Raezer.
NMFA incorporated feedback received from military families after the release of the MCRMC recommendations to help develop their testimony.
For more information on the recommendations and military family reaction, visit: http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-articles/new-mcrmc-health-care-proposals.html
