That’s right members and Veterans, Congress actually calls the 1996 Veterans Eligibility Healthcare Act a “Scheme” that forced the majority of middle-class working Veterans seeking Healthcare, into a system priority group that charges the Veteran Co-payments for all medication and inpatient/outpatient visits.
As I stated in my previous update, the healthcare eligibility law changes created in 1996 thru 2014 should not apply to any Veteran who received a honorable DD-214 Military discharge prior to the 1996 law changes.
In fact, prior to 1996 a Honorable DD-214 was the only eligibility determining factor for Veterans Healthcare Eligibility. There were no Co-payment laws, there were no eligibility based on gross income laws, and there certainly was no law that stated a veteran had to have a approved service connected disability rating in order to receive “No Cost To The Veteran” healthcare. In fact, a Veteran seeking compensation for a service connected illness was, and still should be the Veterans choice, not a Congress law change that effects every Veteran seeking Healthcare.
A service connected illness, and Healthcare were always two separate issues for 20th century Veterans. Prior to 1996 there were laws for elderly senior veterans over 65. What happen to those laws, and Why are elderly senior Veterans today required to pay co-payments?????? Why are Veterans Retirement Pensions and Social Security Income being garnished by the VA for not paying $5000 per year co-payments for medications that they can not afford????
These were my questions and concerns. And so far it has not registered with Congressman Schneider that there are much needed immediate law changes regarding Veterans healthcare eligibility and co-payments. One immediate law change is that all 20th century Veterans should be “Grand fathered” (Grandfather law) into the Veterans Healthcare laws prior to 1996. Yet, read Congressman Schneider’s response below???? Yes members, Congress is actually aware of these serious issues, the question is what are they going to do about them, and why am I the only Veterans Representative or Veterans Organization complaining about these flawed Veterans co-payment laws????
The Postal Service is still the largest employer of middle-class voting Veterans. I can’t fight this battle alone. Join me, and complain to your local Congressman as I have. The “Scheme” has been exposed.
Dear Robert:
Thank you for your response below. I have notified Congressman Schneider and the legislative staff in DC of your comments and they are aware of the impact the 1996 legislative changes have had on you and other veterans. Please know that we will keep your concerns and input in mind if any legislation is presented dealing with this issue.Karyn Davidman
Casework DirectorOffice of Congressman Brad Schneider
111 Barclay Blvd., Suite 200
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
O: 847-793-0625
F: 847-793-0677
www.schneider.house.gov