Sent in by the: Veterans News and Information Service
Over One Million Retired Veterans lost "promised" Medical Care, and we ask them
(also family members) to write a letter to each of their U. S. Senators and
respective U. S. Representative. Cost 32 cents times 3 = 96 cents.
Information for these letters can be obtained at either of these Internet
Websites: Class Act Group at http://www.classact-lawsuit.com or The Augusta
Group at http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/lig/f/s/fsears/doc11.htm. You may
also dial the Class Act Group's voice mail at 1-800-972-6275.
Mail these letters on Dec 31, 1998. The new congress is sworn in soon after
that date. Many of the elected officials (old and new) are not aware of the
sad state faced by retired military veterans. They need to be told the whole
story. Again. And again.
Those One Million, had they known why they should and their health allowed,
could have joined the retired veterans who held a Convention to Educate
Congress on the steps of the Capital Building on Sept 22, 1998, . Two men
wore the Medal of Honor awarded them by a grateful Congress - VAdm (Ret) USN
James Stockdale and Col USAF (Ret) George "Bud" Day . Following them to the
podium were Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) MD; Sen. John McCain (R) AZ; Rep. Joe
Scarborough (R) FL; and Rep. Jim Moran (D)VA. All spoke about the broken
medical care "promise".
Medical care for veterans who retired with at least 20 years of active
service is not free for life as was "contracted". When those veterans reach
age 65, they are no longer eligible to use military hospitals or even the
Tricare program. They are forced onto Medicare with monthly premiums deducted
from their Social Security. Medicare Part B (additional cost) is necessary to
try to maintain their previous level of care. A supplement policy to prevent
financial devastation is too often unavailable (pre-existing condition) or
beyond their reach financially. For many, the choice is medical care or food.
Robert L. Reinlie
121 Virginia Dr
Ft Walton Bch, FL, 32548
850-243-7020
