Legislation & Politics

AFSCME Urges Congress to Reject Veterans Health Care Increases

February 16, 2007


Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Committee Member:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), many of whom are military veterans, I am writing to ask you to reject the President's proposal to increase deductibles and enrollment fees for military veterans under age 65.

The Administration's proposal increases pharmaceutical co-pays and imposes an annual health care enrollment fee.  Under this onerous proposal, co-pays would go from $8 to $15 and a three-tiered annual enrollment fee of $250, $500 or $750 would be implemented for some veterans.

AFSCME strongly opposes such increases in health care payments for the men and women in uniform who bravely sacrificed for our country, especially during a time of war.  Many needy veterans may be forced out of the VA health care system if these proposals are implemented.

I urge you to reject these proposed higher pharmacy co-payments and the burdensome enrollment fees and fully fund veterans' health care through direct appropriations.

     Sincerely,

     Charles M. Loveless
     Director of Legislation


 

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Raymond Summers
Council 31, Illinois

Raymond Summers

"I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, but I am a proud city employee. I support candidates who are on our side. And after they win, I make sure they vote for legislation that supports public services."