Rigell Fights Increase in TRICARE Fees

Press Release

Consistent with his commitment to defending those who defend America, Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2) announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 1092 (Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act) and H.R. 1285 (Military Health Care Affordability Act). Both pieces of legislation prevent any increases in TRICARE fees, copays, or pharmacy benefit costs.

"Any increase in TRICARE fees is a breach of trust between the government and our men and women in uniform," said Rigell, who represents the largest number of men and women in uniform in America. "We must honor our word to those who stand in the gap to protect our freedoms."

More about the legislation:

H.R. 1092 -- Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the nation have a committed health benefits obligation to retired military personnel that exceeds the obligation of corporate employers to civilian employees; and (2) DOD has many additional options to constrain the growth of health care spending in ways that do not disadvantage beneficiaries, and should pursue such options rather than seeking large fee increases for beneficiaries.

Prohibits an increase after: (1) April 1, 2006, in a premium, deductible, copayment, or other charge prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for medical and dental health care coverage for military personnel; and (2) September 30, 2011, in the dollar amount of a cost-sharing requirement under the DOD pharmacy benefits program.

Prohibits: (1) charges for DOD inpatient care from exceeding $535 per day; and (2) beginning on October 1, 2011, an increase in premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed health care program) for certain members of the Selected Reserve and Retired Reserve.

H.R. 1285 -- Military Health Care Affordability Act
This bill expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) so long as the United States sends men and women into battle, the United States will be faithful to care for them upon their return; (2) as the veteran answered the call of duty, so too, is the United States duty-bound to answer the call of the veteran; and (3) the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have the tools and ingenuity to provide continued excellent health care without increasing TRICARE payments from the veteran before fiscal year 2014.

Extends through FY2013 (under current law, through FY2011) the prohibition on increases in certain health care costs and restrictions on health benefit adjustments for members of the Armed Forces, retirees, and their dependents, including charges and premiums under TRICARE (a DOD managed care program) and cost-sharing requirements under the DOD pharmacy benefits program.

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