Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC)

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC)"

Transcription

1 AMS Special Report: Military Pay and Benefits in the Crosshairs In the past few weeks the most drastic and far-reaching changes in military and retiree pay and benefits have been proposed in Washington, D.C. This Special Report is devoted to explaining what those proposed changes are and how they could affect all military personnel. Not all of the changes will affect everyone, but everyone will be affected by at least some of them if Congress enacts them into law. However, if history is any guide, any changes that are made will be followed by more in the future because military personnel have become the group on whose backs Washington politicians and bureaucrats want to try and balance the federal budget. We think this is outrageous. As you will see, some of the proposed changes are not necessarily bad. We will discuss that. But whether or not it was intentional, some of the proposals are going to divide military people -- active duty against retirees -- against reserve component personnel. At AMS, we are going to try and find those things we can all support -- or oppose, while respecting the opinions of others when they differ. Obviously, this is only the beginning of this battle. It is likely to last all year long. And if Congress cannot ultimately reach any kind of agreement on the proposals and nothing new passes this year, the proposals will be put on the shelf next year because of the presidential and congressional elections. In other words, this is the critical year if Congress is going to overhaul the military personnel benefits system. AMS intends to be in the thick of the fight and we ll do our best to represent you and protect those benefits you ve earned and that you depend on. Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) The first shot in the battle over military benefits was fired by the MCRMC. This is a commission that was established by Congress in the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation said the President should determine the purpose and guidelines for the commission. Subsequently, President Obama set forth the following: In conducting the Commission s review and in developing recommendations, you should ensure that the Commission examines all areas outlined in section 671(b)(1) and considers the full breadth of the military compensation and retirement systems, to include healthcare programs, programs supporting military families, as well as programs of the Federal Government that may influence decisions of current and future members of the military to join and remain in the service of our Nation. The Commission s review should also consider and examine: our Nation s ability to sustain an All-Volunteer Force; the retention of our most experienced and qualified service members and the alignment of compensation and management to achieve this end; our current promotion system and associated force shaping tools; and our responsibilities to the American taxpayers. The review should provide recommendations for sustaining the longterm viability of the All-Volunteer Force in a fiscally responsible manner. The Commission s recommendations and analysis for reforming and modernizing the military s compensation and retirement systems should be based upon the priorities outlined in sections 671(b)(2) and 674, and upon the longstanding principles of military compensation developed by the 5th

2 Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, as outlined below. The Commission s recommendations for change must grandfather any currently serving military members and current retirees in the current military retirement systems, but may allow currently serving members and current retirees the choice to change to your proposed retirement system. The MCRMC s final report gave 15 recommendations on everything from pay and benefits to health care to quality of life programs. They affect active duty, reserve component personnel, retirees, and survivors. If enacted, the Commission says it would save the government $12 billion a year, although they say saving the government money was not the driving factor in developing their recommendations. The report is 255 pages long and is difficult to summarize in the brief space we have here. In addition, the recommendations are comprehensive and include many assumptions that require extensive study. The Department of Defense has been given 60 days to examine the report and come back with its own findings and conclusions so we are not prepared to give a final verdict on all of the recommendations at this point. However, here are the basic proposals in brief. Health Care Replace the triple-option TRICARE program for military families and working-age retirees with a selection of commercial health insurance plans. That menu of health insurance offerings to the military would be similar to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Insurance Program (FEHBP) for civilians. Active duty families would receive a new two-part Basic Allowance for Health Care (BAHC) to cover most of their new health insurance costs. Participating insurance plans would have to include military treatment facilities in their provider networks. Patients and plans would be enticed to use on-base care with offers of reduced copays and fee reimbursements, particularly for complex medical cases that keep wartime skills sharp. The commission would leave unchanged TRICARE For Life for Medicare-eligible retirees. Working-age military retirees and families would initially have to pay five percent of health plan premiums. That cost share would grow by one percentage point a year over 15 years so that retirees under age 65 eventually pay 20 percent of health insurance costs. The costs would stop when eligible for Medicare and TRICARE For Life. Retirement Regarding retirement, current force members could stay under their High-3 plan. But a blended plan that lowers annuities for careerists but offers some retirement savings to the 83 percent of service members who leave short of 20 years would be instituted. This would be for all new personnel coming into the military but currently serving could opt into the program if they choose. The new retirement plan for new entrants and for any current members drawn to its features would still provide an immediate although reduced annuity after 20 or more years of service. Among its new features would be a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching of member contributions up to five percent of monthly basic pay. This would be

3 portable like 401k plans in the private sector. TSP would vest after only two years and members could roll it into civilian employer 401ks on leaving service. After 12 years of service, members would receive a lump-sum continuation payment, equal to at least two-and-a-half months of basic pay -- more if they have a critical skill. To take the cash, members would have to agree to serve four more years. After 20 years of service they could draw an immediate annuity based on 2 percent (not the current 2.5 percent) of average basic pay for each year served -- or accept a lump sum amount and a smaller annuity -- or accept a full cash out and forego any military annuity until they age into social security. At that point, military retired pay would start and equal the retired pay of their peers who elected to draw full annuities since time of retirement. Family Support Other recommendations would strengthen support of families with more childcare and improved access to services for special needs children. The commission doesn t endorse ending the offset of Survivor Benefit Plan payments for thousands of widows who also receive VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). But it would give retirees the option of paying higher SBP premiums to ensure that their surviving spouses, if deemed eligible for DIC, would also receive full SPB. Proposals regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill would impact many of the more than 423,000 members who have elected to transfer GI Bill benefits to family members in return for serving longer. The transferred benefit now includes a housing stipend equal to monthly housing allowance locally for a mid-grade enlisted member. The commission says that stipend shouldn t be paid to family member students after June 2017 even if it was part of the original deal. Finally, the report recommends combining the exchanges and commissaries of all the services. However, we believe that if this happened the savings currently realized at the commissaries would all but disappear because prices would have to rise. Commissaries on posts and bases would continue to exist but the benefit in shopping there would be gone. Congressional Action Congress has already held hearings on the Commission s recommendations and more are sure to continue in the coming weeks and months. It is apparent from what has happened so far that many, probably most, members of Congress have little understanding of the military pay and benefits system and the recommendations of the MCRMC are so complicated that they are having trouble understanding them. In 1986 military pensions were reformed far less dramatically than this. That pension cut had such a dramatic effect on retention, the Joint Chiefs pushed to repeal it just a few years later, which Congress did. No matter where you stand on the issue of cutting the Defense budget, it should be clear to everyone that career veterans should be the last ones to take it on the chin. There are plenty of places where there is a great deal of money to cut, especially in procurement, weapons systems and the excess number of bases we have around the world. And some people question whether turning the military pension system over to Wall Street is the best message to send to troops deployed in hostile regions.

4 Perhaps we should recommend that members of Congress consider reforming congressional pensions first. Here s what they get: The pension amount is determined by a formula that takes into account the years served and the average pay for the top three years in terms of payment. In 2002, the average pension payment ranged from $41,000 to $55,000. For example, a member of Congress who worked for 22 years and had a top three-year average salary of $153,900 would be eligible for a pension payment of $84,645 per year. That is more than an 0-6 makes in retirement. Let s see if Congress is willing to cut their retirement pay and health care before they start taking it away from military retirees. Finally, we believe that anyone who thinks "grandfathering" in all current service members from the changes is a good idea should think twice. By grandfathering the conversion to a 401k retirement system they get people to accept the change. Some people think, "It won t affect my pension, so why should I care?" Then, after a few years have passed, they pit the un-grandfathered against the grandfathered in order to demand more cuts from those who were grandfathered. The un-grandfathered say "hey... why does that guy get to live it up when I don't?" That s something to think about. The FY 2016 DoD Budget Proposal To put it briefly and to the point, the President s DoD budget for FY2016 once again calls for a military pay cap, an increase in out-of-pocket housing costs, and higher TRICARE fees. It is very similar to the proposals the Administration made last year. The budget proposes limited pay raises for troops over the next five years, even though Congress sets the rate each year as part of the budget process. The spending plan calls for a raise of 1.3 percent in fiscal 2016 and 2017, 1.5 percent in fiscal 2018 and 2019, and 1.8 percent in It would slow the growth of basic allowances for housing (BAH) by another 4 percent over the next two to three years, in addition to the 1 percent approved for this year. Therefore, service members would eventually pay an average of 5 percent of the costs. The budget would again seek to decrease commissary subsidies, by $100 million to $1.2 billion, in part by reducing the number of days and hours the stores operate, though most are expected to remain open five or more days a week. Eventually this would result in a savings loss of 66%. Establish a means-tested TRICARE For Life enrollment fee for retirees over 65. Consolidate TRICARE Prime, Standard, and Extra programs into one program. Working retirees would have to pay higher enrollment fees and co-pays and would have to pay to use Military Treatment Facilities. Once again increase pharmacy co-pays.

5 In fact, the proposed consolidation doesn't improve the health care benefit -- it merely shifts more cost onto beneficiaries. Retirees will pay more for care without improving access, quality, or wait times. VA Budget Once again, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) fared well in the administration s proposed FY 2016 budget. At a time when the Defense Department is struggling with further cuts when the full force of sequestration returns, the administration is proposing an increase in the budget for VA. This year s budget includes $73 billion in discretionary spending, mostly for health care programs, and $93 billion for disability pay, survivors compensation, and educational benefits programs. Other budget highlights include: $104 billion for the first-ever advanced appropriations for three benefit programs (compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, and insurance and indemnities); A $3 billion funding increase for medical care appropriations to support access, homelessness, Hepatitis C treatment, and increases in caregiver services; Over $7 billion in mental health services and $1 billion for telehealth, increasing $349 million and $126 million respectfully from 2015; An over 8 percent increase for women veterans health care needs ($466 million) over last year.

Military Experience in Congress

Military Experience in Congress Military Experience in Congress 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% Senate House Decade of Wins Major Pay Raises for Currently Serving* End Strength Increases* Survivor Benefit Upgrades Defeated Major TRICARE

More information

Reserve Officers Association Legislative Update. 6 December Patrick Air Force Base, Florida

Reserve Officers Association Legislative Update. 6 December Patrick Air Force Base, Florida Reserve Officers Association Legislative Update 6 December 2015 Patrick Air Force Base, Florida Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) Established by the FY13 NDAA* to conduct

More information

ISSUE BRIEF. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate National Defense Authorization Act: Stuck on Compensation and Retirement Reform

ISSUE BRIEF. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate National Defense Authorization Act: Stuck on Compensation and Retirement Reform ISSUE BRIEF No. 4451 2016 National Defense Authorization Act: Stuck on Compensation and Retirement Reform Justin T. Johnson Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed versions of the

More information

Statement for the Record. by the NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION. before the. Subcommittee on Military Personnel. of the

Statement for the Record. by the NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION. before the. Subcommittee on Military Personnel. of the Statement for the Record by the NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ASSOCIATION before the Subcommittee on Military Personnel of the UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE December 9, 2015

More information

Legislative Update. Presented by. Military Officers Association of America

Legislative Update. Presented by. Military Officers Association of America Military Officers Association of America Legislative Update Presented by Military Officers Association of America To All of You Who are wearing the uniform have worn the uniform supported your Service

More information

DoD Blended Retirement System Proposal

DoD Blended Retirement System Proposal DoD Blended Retirement System Proposal BLUF: While cognizant of proposals offered by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission (MCRMC) and others, DoD s plan was crafted by considering

More information

Note: The material in this publication is based on the law in effect at the time it went to publication.

Note: The material in this publication is based on the law in effect at the time it went to publication. Note: The material in this publication is based on the law in effect at the time it went to publication. Under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33, for fiscal year 1998, employee retirement

More information

S B P M a d e E a s y

S B P M a d e E a s y SBP Made Easy While you probably devote a lot of time to your active career, it s just as important to plan ahead to ensure your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your death. Unless you take

More information

2011 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief

2011 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief 2011 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief Presented by Shane Ostrom, CFP Lt Col, USAF (Ret) Deputy Director, Benefits Info Department Military Officers Association of America Your Benefits

More information

Reject Disproportional TRICARE Fee Hikes

Reject Disproportional TRICARE Fee Hikes Reject Disproportional TRICARE Fee Hikes Issue: The FY14 DoD budget would shift $25+ billion in costs to military beneficiaries over 10 years by: Raising annual fees by $1,000 or more for retired families

More information

Reforming Military Compensation

Reforming Military Compensation THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Carolyn Kaster Reforming Military Compensation Addressing Runaway Personnel Costs Is a National Imperative Lawrence J. Korb, Alex Rothman, and Max Hoffman May 2012 www.americanprogress.org

More information

The Compensation Issue

The Compensation Issue The Congressional Budget Office says the average service member makes $99,000 a year. Less than half shows up in a paycheck, however. The Issue This article was adapted from Military : Balancing Cash and

More information

Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course Transcript

Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course Transcript Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course Transcript Course Overview Congratulations! You are part of a select group of Service members who get to choose your retirement benefit system. It is vital you take

More information

2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief

2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief 2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief Presented by Shane Ostrom, CFP Lt Col, USAF (Ret) Deputy Director, Benefits Info Department Military Officers Association of America Your Benefits

More information

the William S Williams accordance the I submit following to considered by the Resolution Committee and submitted to the membership for approval.

the William S Williams accordance the I submit following to considered by the Resolution Committee and submitted to the membership for approval. : Marine Corps League Commandant the William S Williams 1, 17 ect : Resolutions Administrative Procedures, Chapter Two, Nation Convention, Section 5 (2) Resolutions committee. One thru accordance the I

More information

CRS Report for Congress

CRS Report for Congress CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Order Code RS22402 June 7, 2006 Increases in Tricare Fees: Background and Options for Congress Summary Richard A. Best Jr. Specialist in National Defense

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Cornell University ILR School DigitalCommons@ILR Federal Publications Key Workplace Documents 4-30-2015 Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Kristy N. Kamarck Congressional Research

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Cornell University ILR School DigitalCommons@ILR Federal Publications Key Workplace Documents 9-12-2016 Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Kristy N. Kamarck Congressional Research

More information

BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM

BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM Guide to Military Retirement Choosing Investments How Matching Works BRS or Legacy System? Defined Contribution Plans Lifecycle Funds VIRGINIA B. MORRIS AND KENNETH M. MORRIS

More information

AUSA BACKGROUND BRIEF

AUSA BACKGROUND BRIEF AUSA BACKGROUND BRIEF No. 71 April l996 REALISTIC PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT HEALTH CARE Introduction Gather together a group of retired soldiers and the one thing they all will agree on is the "fact" that

More information

Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know

Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know MMW Meeting June 30, 2015 AgeOptions 2015. All rights reserved. What are Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Benefits? Health care benefits for eligible

More information

Target: Tricare Pentagon looks to raise fees, push working-age retirees away and alter the pharmacy program

Target: Tricare Pentagon looks to raise fees, push working-age retirees away and alter the pharmacy program Target: Tricare Pentagon looks to raise fees, push working-age retirees away and alter the pharmacy program By Andrew Tilghman, Army Times Uncle Sam wants you to pay more for military medical care. The

More information

2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief

2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief 2012 Chapter Presidents Symposium Spouse Benefits Brief Presented by Bud Schneeweis, CFP CAPT USCG (Ret) Director, Benefits Info & Financial Education Department Military Officers Association of America

More information

General LONG TERM CARE Education

General LONG TERM CARE Education General LONG TERM CARE Education. Long-Term Care (LONG TERM CARE) is the act of providing assistance to a person who requires help because the person cannot function on their own. The term Long-Term Care

More information

GUIDE TO RETIREMENT PLANNING MAKING THE MOST OF THE NEW PENSION RULES TO ENJOY FREEDOM AND CHOICE IN YOUR RETIREMENT

GUIDE TO RETIREMENT PLANNING MAKING THE MOST OF THE NEW PENSION RULES TO ENJOY FREEDOM AND CHOICE IN YOUR RETIREMENT GUIDE TO RETIREMENT PLANNING MAKING THE MOST OF THE NEW PENSION RULES TO ENJOY FREEDOM AND CHOICE IN YOUR RETIREMENT FINANCIAL GUIDE Green Financial Advice is authorised and regulated by the Financial

More information

2011 Guide to Social Security

2011 Guide to Social Security 2011 Guide to Social Security 39th Edition A simple explanation with easy-reference benefit tables. Contents Page 1 Introduction... 3 Are You Missing Out?.... 3 Major Changes in 2011... 4 2Who Is Covered

More information

Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course. Facilitator s Guide. 31 January 2017

Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course. Facilitator s Guide. 31 January 2017 Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course Facilitator s Guide 31 January 2017 Table of Contents Purpose... 6 Materials, Supplies, and Equipment... 6 Getting Started... 7 Slide 1 - Course Title... 7 Slide

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Kristy N. Kamarck Analyst in Military Manpower April 30, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL34751 Summary The military retirement

More information

Healthcare Options for Veterans

Healthcare Options for Veterans Healthcare Options for Veterans January 2017 (This information was copied from Unit 3 of Module 4 in the 2017 WIPA Training Manual) Introduction The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department

More information

GAO. MILITARY RETIREMENT Proposed Changes Warrant Careful Analysis

GAO. MILITARY RETIREMENT Proposed Changes Warrant Careful Analysis GAO United States General Accounting Office Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives For Release on Delivery Expected at 10:00 a.m.,

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Kristy N. Kamarck Analyst in Military Manpower April 6, 2016 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL34751 Summary The military retirement

More information

Aon Retiree Health Exchange Transition Guide

Aon Retiree Health Exchange Transition Guide Aon Retiree Health Exchange Transition Guide New Health Care Coverage Options and Resources for Medicare-Eligible Retirees, Survivors, Long Term Disability Participants and Their Eligible Dependents. Welcome

More information

Modernizing the Military Retirement System

Modernizing the Military Retirement System Modernizing the Military Retirement System Task Group July 21, 2011 These are the final briefing slides as approved by the Defense Business Board in their public meeting held July 21, 2011. The full DBB

More information

BACKGROUNDER. The men and women who serve AMERICAN DREAM. Improving Health Care and Retirement for Military Service Members and Their Families

BACKGROUNDER. The men and women who serve AMERICAN DREAM. Improving Health Care and Retirement for Military Service Members and Their Families BACKGROUNDER No. 2621 Improving Health Care and Retirement for Military Service Members and Their Families Baker Spring A part of the Heritage plan Saving the AMERICAN DREAM Abstract The military s health

More information

SBP THE BIG PICTURE CONTENTS. Survivor Benefit Plan For The Uniformed Services The Simple Facts

SBP THE BIG PICTURE CONTENTS. Survivor Benefit Plan For The Uniformed Services The Simple Facts SBP Survivor Benefit Plan For The Uniformed Services The Simple Facts This pamphlet explains the basics of the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). It is written for "you" the retiring member,

More information

Blended Retirement System

Blended Retirement System Blended Retirement System Mr. Jeffrey Krusling, Pay and Compensation Policy September 2017 jeffrey.krusling@navy.mil sean.foster@navy.mil Unclassified Why is it important to understand the BRS? The choice

More information

First Command Educational Foundation Standard Financial Presentations May 2018

First Command Educational Foundation Standard Financial Presentations May 2018 First Command Educational Foundation Standard Financial Presentations May 2018 First Command Educational Foundation offers presentations and comprehensive programs on a variety of financial topics for

More information

Q&A on US Health Reform: The Impact of National Health Reform and How it May Affect Your Business

Q&A on US Health Reform: The Impact of National Health Reform and How it May Affect Your Business Q&A on US Health Reform: The Impact of National Health Reform and How it May Affect Your Business Developed from Conner Strong s web briefing of April 8, 2010 On April 8, Conner Strong held a web briefing

More information

Increases in Tricare Costs: Background and Options for Congress

Increases in Tricare Costs: Background and Options for Congress Order Code RS22402 Updated October 23, 2008 Increases in Tricare Costs: Background and Options for Congress Don J. Jansen Analyst in Defense Health Care Policy Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

More information

Veterans Benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Survivors

Veterans Benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Survivors Veterans Benefits: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for Survivors Christine Scott Specialist in Social Policy January 4, 2013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

More information

Chairman, Committee on Armed Services Ranking Member, Committee on Armed Services

Chairman, Committee on Armed Services Ranking Member, Committee on Armed Services March 6, 2015 The Honorable John McCain The Honorable Jack Reed Chairman, Committee on Armed Services Ranking Member, Committee on Armed Services United States Senate United States Senate Washington, DC

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Kristy N. Kamarck Analyst in Military Manpower January 6, 2017 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL34751 Summary The military retirement

More information

TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET

TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET Beginning January 2018, there will be changes to the TRICARE benefit. The changes will expand beneficiary choice, improve access to network providers, simplify beneficiary copayments

More information

2012 Issue #9 September 14, A publication of the Governor s DD Council & ID Action CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

2012 Issue #9 September 14, A publication of the Governor s DD Council & ID Action CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 2012 Issue #9 September 14, 2012 A publication of the Governor s DD Council & ID Action Advocate s Guide Now Available! Nothing is ever simple when it comes to Iowa s mental health and disability system.

More information

Benefits Planning Guide Managing the benefits you and your family earned through service PUBLICATIONS

Benefits Planning Guide Managing the benefits you and your family earned through service PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS A RESOURCE FROM THE MILITARY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Benefits Planning Guide Managing the benefits you and your family earned through service Benefits Planning Guide Your career and

More information

Let me help you understand who I am, so you can understand any biases that might surround my comments.

Let me help you understand who I am, so you can understand any biases that might surround my comments. Remarks to the 3 rd Year Medical Students on April 29, 2010 Let me help you understand who I am, so you can understand any biases that might surround my comments. I am a business professor, who believes

More information

June 9, Honorable John McCain Chairman Committee on Armed Services United States Senate Washington, DC Dear Mr.

June 9, Honorable John McCain Chairman Committee on Armed Services United States Senate Washington, DC Dear Mr. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE U.S. Congress Washington, DC 20515 Keith Hall, Director June 9, 2016 Honorable John McCain Chairman Committee on Armed Services United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear

More information

Medicare Starter Kit. By Patricia Barry. Bulletin. Top Eight Do s and Don ts

Medicare Starter Kit. By Patricia Barry. Bulletin. Top Eight Do s and Don ts S P E C I A L R E P O R T Bulletin You re a boomer. The milestone of your 65th birthday may be here or just over the horizon. But you know zip about Medicare. Do you need it? What does it cover? When should

More information

Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know

Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know Medicare, VA Health Benefits and TRICARE: What You Need to Know MMW Coalition Webinar July 31, 2015 AgeOptions 2015. All rights reserved. Who We Are: MMW Leadership AgeOptions Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

More information

Introducing Pension Plus and the Defined Contribution plan

Introducing Pension Plus and the Defined Contribution plan Introducing and the plan On the day you begin public school employment, you are automatically enrolled in the retirement plan. But you have a choice you can stay in the plan or switch to the plan. offers

More information

Rising DOD Health Care Costs Threaten National Security

Rising DOD Health Care Costs Threaten National Security REPORT HEALTH CARE, NATIONAL SECURITY Rising DOD Health Care Costs Threaten National Security By Julie Zelnick and Mieke Eoyang Published: 02/01/13 TAKEAWAYS This digest does three things: Lays out the

More information

Social Security: With You Through Life s Journey. Produced at U.S. taxpayer expense

Social Security: With You Through Life s Journey. Produced at U.S. taxpayer expense Social Security: With You Through Life s Journey Produced at U.S. taxpayer expense We re With You Through Life s Journey We re With You From Day One Most Popular Baby Names A fun by-product of assigning

More information

Formerly CHAMPUS Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services

Formerly CHAMPUS Civilian Health and Medical Plan of the Uniformed Services SECTION 3: HEALTH INSURANCE 3-1 TRICARE Eligibility 3-2 TRICARE Update 3-3 CHAMPVA 3-4 MEDICARE 3-5 MEDICAID 3-6 VA Health Care 3-7 Nursing Home 3-1 TRICARE Eligibility Formerly CHAMPUS Civilian Health

More information

The Military Officers Association of America. Never Stop Serving

The Military Officers Association of America. Never Stop Serving The Military Officers Association of America Never Stop Serving About MOAA Nation s leading membership organization for military officers 380,000+ members from all branches of the armed forces For more

More information

Medicare Overview. Employee Benefits Handout

Medicare Overview. Employee Benefits Handout Employee Benefits Handout Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Services (DCPAS) Benefits, Wage & Non-Appropriated Funds Line of Business Benefits & Work Life Programs Division 4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite

More information

The Auto Club Group Retiree Health Program. Medicare-Eligible Retiree Guide

The Auto Club Group Retiree Health Program. Medicare-Eligible Retiree Guide The Auto Club Group Retiree Health Program Medicare-Eligible Retiree Guide Replacing Your Auto Club Group Retiree Health Plan Did You Know? With the Aon Retiree Health Exchange, you could potentially pay

More information

Click this button to place your order.

Click this button to place your order. Guide to 2018 Social Security 46th Edition A simple explanation with easy-reference benefit tables. Click this button to place your order. 2018 Guide to Social Security Mercer 400 West Market Street, Suite

More information

CRS Report for Congress

CRS Report for Congress Order Code RL31664 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions Updated December 9, 2004 David F. Burrelli Specialist in National

More information

Data-Driven Decision Making Principle #2

Data-Driven Decision Making Principle #2 Data-Driven Decision Making Principle #2 A case study on an alternative military healthcare benefit design Sarah K. Burns September 14, 2017 We modeled an alternative military healthcare benefit design

More information

Introduction to the Blended Retirement System

Introduction to the Blended Retirement System #BlendedRetirement Introduction to the June 26, 2017 Disclaimer This is an informational policy briefing ONLY and is not intended to provide service members with the financial knowledge necessary to make

More information

Veterans Benefits: An Overview

Veterans Benefits: An Overview Order Code RS22902 June 25, 2008 Veterans Benefits: An Overview Carol D. Davis Knowledge Services Group Sidath Viranga Panangala and Christine Scott Domestic Social Policy Division Summary The Department

More information

The military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) was created in Since its creation, it has been subjected to a number of substantial legislative changes

The military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) was created in Since its creation, it has been subjected to a number of substantial legislative changes Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Œ œ Ÿ The military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) was created in 1972. Since its creation, it has been subjected to a number of substantial legislative changes.

More information

STATEMENT of THE MILITARY AND VETERANS ALLIANCE (NMVA)

STATEMENT of THE MILITARY AND VETERANS ALLIANCE (NMVA) National Military Veterans Alliance Phone: (703) 750-2568 5535 Hempstead Way, Springfield, VA 22151 Fax: (703) 354-4380 STATEMENT of THE MILITARY AND VETERANS ALLIANCE (NMVA) Before the Subcommittee on

More information

2015 Social Security Changes Will Hit Couples & Divorced Women Hardest

2015 Social Security Changes Will Hit Couples & Divorced Women Hardest 2015 Social Security Changes Will Hit Couples & Divorced Women Hardest By Scott Farnsworth, Personal Asset Advisors On November 2, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

More information

Military columnist Tom Philpott

Military columnist Tom Philpott Volume 20 Number 1 January - February 2006 DOD Wants Major Increases in Tricare Enrollment Fees/Deductibles Military columnist Tom Philpott let the cat out of the bag in mid-december when he announced

More information

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Katelin P. Isaacs Analyst in Income Security September 27, 2012 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

More information

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES 2013 Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare This official government guide has important information about: What is a Medicare

More information

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Health Savings Account (HSA) What is a Health Savings Account? Health Savings Account (HSA) A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged health care account that you own. You contribute to it with tax-free or tax-deductible

More information

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Katelin P. Isaacs Analyst in Income Security March 24, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL30023 Summary Most of the

More information

Introducing Pension Plus 2 and the Defined Contribution plan

Introducing Pension Plus 2 and the Defined Contribution plan Introducing and the plan Welcome to the first and most important step on your journey to retirement: choosing your plan. Please explore this site carefully so you can make a confident choice for you and

More information

Retiree Casualty Assistance Checklist

Retiree Casualty Assistance Checklist Retiree Casualty Assistance Checklist As-of date Retiree s Name SSN Military Grade/Rank Date of Retirement Branch of Service Years of Service Address City State ZIP DOB Place of Birth Spouse's Maiden Name

More information

CRS Report for Congress

CRS Report for Congress Order Code RL30023 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Federal Employee Retirement Programs: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Updated May 24, 2004 Patrick J. Purcell Specialist in Social Legislation

More information

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Katelin P. Isaacs Analyst in Income Security June 13, 2013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Congressional

More information

Have you considered allowing opt out but then charging a fee to employees. Can you be grandfathered in if you are already an opt out

Have you considered allowing opt out but then charging a fee to employees. Can you be grandfathered in if you are already an opt out SW Forum Legal ramifications of opt out Have you considered allowing opt out but then charging a fee to employees Timeline after Feb 1st, what happens? Who determines if you have to pay spousal surcharge?

More information

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues

Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Federal Employees Retirement System: Budget and Trust Fund Issues Katelin P. Isaacs Analyst in Income Security August 24, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL30023 Summary Most of

More information

My Medicare Options Workbook

My Medicare Options Workbook My Medicare Options Workbook This workbook will walk you through the process of deciding what steps you need to take now that you are eligible for Medicare. Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Where do

More information

For more information about Navy Mutual Aid Association visit their Web site at

For more information about Navy Mutual Aid Association visit their Web site at If Tragedy Strikes- Your Family is Protected Service in the U.S. military can entail going in harm's way. Service members can have the peace of mind knowing that their families will be cared for if they

More information

-- VA limited payment of DIC to widows who do not remarry (effective 1 Nov 90)

-- VA limited payment of DIC to widows who do not remarry (effective 1 Nov 90) This fact sheet provides information to help you understand the provisions of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), but is not a contract document. The basic statutory provisions of the SBP law are in Chapter

More information

Death Benefits Overview

Death Benefits Overview REDSTONE LEGAL BRIEF A Preventive Law Service of The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Redstone Arsenal, AL Keeping You Informed On Personal Legal Affairs Death Benefits Overview THIS HANDOUT is provided

More information

What to Know, What to Ask By Joan Entmacher, Benjamin Veghte, and Kristen Arnold

What to Know, What to Ask By Joan Entmacher, Benjamin Veghte, and Kristen Arnold Claiming Social Security Benefits NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SOCIAL INSURANCE What to Know, What to Ask By Joan Entmacher, Benamin Veghte, and Kristen Arnold Thinking about retirement? Deciding when to take Social

More information

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD THE MILITARY COALITION (TMC) Submitted to the HOUSE AND SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEES SUBCOMMITTEES ON PERSONNEL

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD THE MILITARY COALITION (TMC) Submitted to the HOUSE AND SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEES SUBCOMMITTEES ON PERSONNEL STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD OF THE MILITARY COALITION (TMC) Submitted to the HOUSE AND SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEES SUBCOMMITTEES ON PERSONNEL concerning Uniformed Services Personnel and Compensation

More information

Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per

Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per NOVEMBER 2014 Growth in DoD s Budget From The Department of Defense s (DoD s) base budget grew from $384 billion to $502 billion between fiscal years 2000 and 2014 in inflation-adjusted (real) terms an

More information

Needs. Basics. of Special. with. and. Materials

Needs. Basics. of Special. with. and. Materials Basics of Special Needs Trusts Thursday, October 15, 2015 Breakout Session 1 1:15 P.M. 2:15 P.M.. Veterans Benefits and the Person with Speciall Needs Presenters: Michaell Allen Associatee Dean and Professor

More information

Comparing the benefits you will get from your federal DB and DC plans

Comparing the benefits you will get from your federal DB and DC plans Comparing the benefits you will get from your federal DB and DC plans RON GEBHARDTSBAUER Senior Pension Fellow American Academy of Actuaries A Briefing Sponsored by the American Academy of Actuaries Tuesday,

More information

PL (9 Oct 80, but effective 1 Dec 80)

PL (9 Oct 80, but effective 1 Dec 80) This fact sheet provides information to help you understand the provisions of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), but is not a contract document. The basic statutory provisions of the SBP law are in Chapter

More information

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES 2011 Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare This official government guide has important information about the following:

More information

HSA Frequently Asked Questions

HSA Frequently Asked Questions HSA Frequently Asked Questions Overview Q1. WHAT IS A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA)? An HSA is a tax-exempt trust or custodial account established exclusively for the purpose of paying qualified medical

More information

Protecting SNAP and Child Nutrition From Appropriations Lapses

Protecting SNAP and Child Nutrition From Appropriations Lapses 820 First Street NE, Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-408-1080 Fax: 202-408-1056 center@cbpp.org www.cbpp.org November 9, 2015 Protecting SNAP and Child Nutrition From Appropriations Lapses By Richard

More information

You are not required to do anything with this notice but it is recommended that you keep it with your other important legal documents.

You are not required to do anything with this notice but it is recommended that you keep it with your other important legal documents. October 1, 2013 Dear Associate: We are providing you with the attached notice about the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) and state exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The

More information

MFLN Intro. TRICARE Reforms in TRICARE Reforms in /26/2018. MC SMS icons. learn.extension.org/events/3313. militaryfamilies.extension.

MFLN Intro. TRICARE Reforms in TRICARE Reforms in /26/2018. MC SMS icons. learn.extension.org/events/3313. militaryfamilies.extension. MC SMS icons TRICARE Reforms in 2018 Thanks for joining us! We will get started soon. While you re waiting you can get handouts etc. by following the below: learn.extension.org/events/3313 1 MFLN Intro

More information

TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET

TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET TRICARE CHANGES FACT SHEET Beginning in January 2018, there will be changes to the TRICARE benefit. The changes will expand beneficiary choice, improve access to network providers, simplify beneficiary

More information

Civil Service Pension Reform: The Experience of the Thrift Savings Plan

Civil Service Pension Reform: The Experience of the Thrift Savings Plan Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Civil Service Pension Reform: The Experience of the Thrift Savings Plan Greg Long Executive Director Federal Retirement

More information

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION S IMPACT on the AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION S IMPACT on the AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION S IMPACT on the AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY PUTTING AMERICANS BACK TO WORK President Obama is focused on restoring economic security for the middle class, and he s fighting for

More information

Chapter Leaders Symposium. Select Benefit Topics September 2016

Chapter Leaders Symposium. Select Benefit Topics September 2016 Chapter Leaders Symposium Select Benefit Topics September 2016 Presented by Shane Ostrom, CFP Lt Col, USAF (Ret) Deputy Director, Benefits Info Department Military Officers Association of America What

More information

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments

Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments Order Code RL34751 Military Retirement: Background and Recent Developments November 17, 2008 Charles A. Henning Specialist in Military Manpower Policy Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Military

More information

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC 2018 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC 2018 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare PAC 2018 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE Candidate Name: State: District: Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a highly

More information

Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress

Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress Military Survivor Benefit Plan: Background and Issues for Congress Kristy N. Kamarck Analyst in Military Manpower Barbara Salazar Torreon Senior Research Librarian Updated October 1, 2018 Congressional

More information

Your Guide to the Anthem Lumenos High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Your Guide to the Anthem Lumenos High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) 2018 Your Guide to the Anthem Lumenos High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) The Anthem Lumenos HDHP is a medical plan that offers comprehensive coverage for everything from doctor visits, x-rays and lab tests,

More information

CHAPTER 15 RETIREMENT AND INSURANCE. (1) At least 5 years of creditable civilian service with the Federal Government.

CHAPTER 15 RETIREMENT AND INSURANCE. (1) At least 5 years of creditable civilian service with the Federal Government. CHAPTER 15 RETIREMENT AND INSURANCE 15-1. General. The purpose of this section is to provide information on the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS),

More information

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare

Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES 2014 Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare This official government guide has important information about: Medicare Supplement

More information