Introduced Legislation

[VAK]

Here's the legislation that was introduced over the past week's that could effect Military Members or retirees. Any one have any opinions?

Bills affecting retiree community introduced

Several bill affecting members of the military retiree community were introduced in the House and Senate last week.

Introduced by Jim Saxton (R-NJ), H.R. 968 would move up the current 2008 implementation date for 30-year paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage. Current law provides that members who have paid SBP premiums for at least 360 months and who also have attained age 70 will be able to stop paying SBP premiums while retaining SBP coverage for their survivors. Now, the effective date for the provision is Oct. 1, 2008. This legislation would make the provision effective as of Oct. 1, 2005.

H.R. 602 (Chris Van Hollen, D-MD) would allow military retirees and their dependents the option to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP); waive Medicare Part B premiums for retirees who entered service before Dec. 7, 1956; and provide drug coverage at TRICARE network rates to beneficiaries who do not have access to a pharmacy in the TRICARE retail network.

S. 407 (Tim Johnson, D-SD) is the Senate counterpart to H.R. 602.

S. 438 (John Ensign, R-NV) would repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps on Medicare Part B. A provision in permanent law would cap Medicare payments for such therapy to $1,500 annually - a very low amount for what can be very expensive care for stroke victims and others. Congress passed legislation deferring implementation of the caps until Jan. 1, 2005. Unless the deferral is extended again or the original law is repealed the, cap will be instituted next year.

H.R. 916 (Phil English, R-PA) is the House counterpart to S. 438.



Thanks,
tacp