Received by me via email/FRA NewsBytes on 11 June
   - WebEd

In this week's edition of NewsBytes:

Six-Month Doc Fix Passes Senate
FRA Salutes the USCG
VA Increases Co-Pays for Some Vets
Budget Concerns Come to the Forefront
Arlington National Cemetery Hearing Scheduled

Six-Month Doc Fix Passes Senate

Although the Senate failed to pass the so-called Tax Extenders bill (H.R. 4213) this week that includes language delaying 21-percent reimbursement rate cuts to Medicare and TRICARE providers, the chamber did pass a separate "doc fix" measure today. Senate lawmakers are still debating ways to reduce the financial impact of H.R. 4213, which also addresses expanding eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation (see last week's Newsbytes for specifics), jobs and tax issues.

The doc fix legislation extends current reimbursement rates for another six months and must now be approved by the House - hopefully next week. FRA remains concerned that many doctors will choose not to serve Medicare and TRICARE patients if these cuts take effect.

Assuring TRICARE and Medicare patients have access to physicians and concurrent receipt improvements are high priority issues for FRA and members are urged use the FRA Action Center (www.fra.org) to ask their senators to resolve the ongoing threat to doctor reimbursement rates and support concurrent receipt improvements.


FRA Salutes the USCG

FRA hosted its 12th annual Congressional Coast Guard Caucus Breakfast this week, an event sponsored by the Association to highlight the Coast Guard's remarkable service to the nation and promote dialogue between members of Congress and key Coast Guard leaders. The continuing oil leak crisis in the Gulf of Mexico spotlights the importance of a fully operational, multi-mission Coast Guard (USCG). Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG) Michael Leavitt, both new to their respective posts, spoke at the event, which was also attended by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force Mark Allen, former MCPOCG Vince Patton, and other Coast Guard personnel.

The Caucus is a 91-member, bipartisan group that shares a common interest in the varied missions of the Coast Guard and is co-chaired by the three members of Congress who served in the Coast Guard - Representatives Howard Coble (N.C.), Gene Taylor (Miss.), and William Delahunt (Mass.). The chairmen co-hosted the breakfast, which was attended by Representatives Delahunt, Coble, Taylor, Joseph Courtney (Conn), and Frank LoBiondo (N.J.) - all of whom represent districts with strong Coast Guard presence.

During the event, Papp awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award to Delahunt, who help found the USCG Caucus and is retiring later this year, at the end of his seventh congressional term.

Additionally, FRA cosponsored events this week to honor the Coast Guard's active duty and Reserve Enlisted Persons of the Year (EPOY). These events are part of the Association's continuing tradition of recognizing excellence among enlisted members of the Sea Services.


VA Increases Co-Pays for Some Vets

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will increase pharmacy co-pays by one dollar (from $8 to $9) for each 30-day supply of outpatient prescriptions effective July 1, 2010. This policy change applies to veterans in Priority Groups 7 and 8, and does not impact veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6, who will continue to pay $8 for each 30-day supply of medications for their non-service connected conditions. Veterans who have an injury or illness connected with their military service resulting in a disability rated at 50 percent or greater (Priority Group 1 veterans) are exempt from the co-pay. Veterans in Priority Groups 2 through 6 will also continue to have their out-of-pocket expenses for VA outpatient medications capped at $960 per calendar year.

For further information, visit http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1910


Budget Concerns Come to the Forefront

Amid growing concerns about federal spending, the White House has instructed all federal agencies to compile a list of "least critical" programs that can be cut to reduce the agency's future discretionary budget requirements by five percent. Rep. Ike Skelton, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, informed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that any such budget cuts for the Department of Defense (DoD) will require congressional approval and warned that active duty and Reserve force end strengths should be exempt given military operational commitments that include fighting two wars.

In related news, the final report of the Sustainable Defense Task Force was recently last week. A bipartisan group of legislators (Representatives Barney Frank (Mass.), Ron Paul (Texas), and Walter Jones (N.C.), along with Oregon Senator Ron Wyden), reviewed possible DoD budget cuts that would not "compromise the essential security of the United States." Among the Task Force's recommendations are increased TRICARE fees for retirees under age 65, changing the calculation for determining active duty pay increases to include other benefits, and reducing end strength and recruiting budgets as the military begins to withdraw from Afghanistan. These recommendations will be sent to the President's recently established debt commission.

FRA's position on these and other health care, pay and benefits issues is clearly articulated in congressional testimony, FRA Today and other communications. Members are encouraged to use the Action Center (www.fra.org) to express opposition to TRICARE fee increases (H.R. 816), express support for adequate pay increases (H.R. 1592), and other relevant issues.


Arlington National Cemetery Hearing Scheduled

Rep. Ike Skelton (Mo.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), announced this week that the committee will hold a hearing on the Army Inspector General's report on mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.

Army Secretary John McHugh (former HASC chairman) recently dismissed top ANC administrators after concerns surfaced about management of the national burial ground, including unmarked graves, burial sites with the wrong headstones and improper handling of cremated remains.