1.8 Million U.S. Vets Without Health Insurance: Send ‘Em to War, then Forget Them

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/11/02/18-million-us-vets-without-health-insurance-send-em-to-war-then-forget-them/

by Tula Connell, Nov 2, 2007

Two items this week pointed out how it easy it is for an administration to send our young people to war, but how not much thought is given to what happens to them when they return home.

First we hear that America’s war vets don’t get the health care they need.

About one of every eight veterans under the age of 65 is uninsured, according to a new study that contradicts the assumption many have that all vets qualify for free health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Researchers at Harvard Medical School projected that about 1.8 million veterans overall lack health coverage. That’s an increase of 290,000 since 2000. The researchers said most uninsured veterans are in the middle class and are ineligible for VA care because of their incomes. Still others cannot afford their co-payments, or lack VA facilities in their community.



“Only the government can put men and women into military service and only the government can guarantee that they are covered after they serve,” said Dr. Jeffrey Scavron.

Depends upon Bush administration priorities though, doesn’t it?

The second item concerning vets emerged amidst congressional hearings on whether the federal government has violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by denying veterans reinstatement to federal civilian jobs or full benefits on their return from service.

FULL story at link.

The Gov't. can give a rat's ass.

K&R
:kick: