Dempsey stands behind fee hike

2/15/2012

Among the proposed changes to military benefits under the 2013 Pentagon budget is a provision that would require retirees to pay a bit more for healthcare. While some might be opposed to the fee hike, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey is not among them, according to Military Times.

Dempsey recently spoke to Congress about the $525.4 billion budget plan, including the suggested fee raises to TRICARE for retirees. He said he would be willing to pay the increase himself, and his sentiment is backed up by the other Joint Chiefs and senior enlisted leaders.

The fees would increase from about 30 percent to 78 percent of total annual retirement benefits - or anywhere between $600 and $820. The proposal is a fair one, officials say.

"In accordance with the principles that guide our budget, they honor our commitment to America's all-volunteer force and their families," Air Force Lt. Gen. Larry Spencer told reporters, according to the news source.

The fee increase could change how some retirees choose to receive healthcare coverage, USA Today reports. Depending on their age, some experts expect former servicemembers will choose insurance offered through their employer rather than the military.