U.S. Military Veterans Put On Hold . . . Once Again
Yes, Congress finally passed a new GI Bill that will, presumably,enrich the benefits plan for our Veterans. However, judging from the lack of progress thus far, it looks as if the August 2009 deadline is at risk.
At the core of this dilemma is the apparent complexity the new Bill brings to bear upon the VA and its resources. It has been reported that the Veterans Administration lacks the technical savvy to implement all of the changes in a timely manner. They also claim to be short-staffed. To mitigate this, the agency most probably will outsource some of the programming work required; an option coming under increased scrutiny by Veterans Groups and the House on Veterans Affairs Committee.
Why The Timeline?
Reportedly, there is an 11-month window in which the agency can get the job done. Why? Because the new GI Bill mandates a $1,000 monthly housing stipend as well as four years of tuition at state universities around the country. All Veterans who served at least three years active duty since September 11, 2001 are entitled to this enhanced program.
We can deduce that the implementation of this new bill has to be completed by the beginning of the 2009 semester so that collegebound Veterans can enroll. Whether it will happen is a question critics have increasingly been asking. Their concerns are based on the fact that the new bill will be much more complex.
The Difference?
Under the old format, Veterans received a flat rate towards their education based upon their contributions to the system. Under the new bill, the amount of tuition will be based on several factors: length of service, the schools they select, and where they live. The current system must be re-vamped to handle the new formula.
While in theory, officials claim it can be done, still in question is whether Veterans will actually get the money they need in time to enroll in the schools of their choice.
Chief Legislative Counsel for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Patrick Campbell, says, “I don’t care how they do it. Veterans must get these benefits on time.”
7% Rise In Health Premiums For Federal Employees
The Office of Personnel Management projects that health care premiums for federal employees will jump an average of 7% in 2009, the steepest jump in over four years. This increase will be more than three times the 2.1 percent increase seen in 2008, and represents some troubling news for those families already struggling to make ends meet.
While, according to Nancy Kichak, OPM’s associate director for strategic human resources, the U.S. government will continue to retain most benefits, many drug and doctors’ offices co-pays will increase. And, that will be on the backs of federal employees.
Approximately 50% of FEHBP enrollees are covered under the Blue Cross Blue Shield standard program. It has been reported that office visits for that program will rise from $15 to $20.
A starker example of the overall increase is for prescription drugs. Co-pays for a three-month supply of generic, mail-order prescriptions will jump from $35 to $65. However, after three-months, the co-pay will be reduced to $50 for federal employees with long-term conditions requiring long-term drug use.
Kichak pointed out that although Federal Employees will face these increased premiums, they will not see increases as steep as the rest of the public sector. Sadly, that is not going to be very comforting as Federal Employees and their families see the price of food, gas, and other staples rise sharply.
Child Health Plus Enrollment Event Seeks to Enroll All Uninsured New York City Children in Health Insurance
NEW YORK (October 2, 2008) – On Saturday, October 4th, Anne Marie Costellolo, Office of Health Insurance Programs of the NY State Health Department, held a public meeting to discuss children’s health insurance. Recently, legislation was passed and approved by Governor David A. Paterson making children in families with annual incomes up to $70,000 for a family of three ($84,000 for family of four) eligible to obtain subsidized coverage under New York’s Child Health Plus insurance program (CHIP).
Ms. Costello answered questions about the program, and children shared their experiences about being covered under the plan.
Legal Levity, little known facts about law . . .
In California, dominoes may not be played on Sunday. In Florida, if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle. In Louisiana, it is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol. In Nebraska, it is illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup. The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.
TAKE THE HISTORY QUIZ . . .
1.Who was the Teddy Bear named for? 2.Who was the first woman to be shot by the FBI? 3.The invention of what in 1867, made Alfred Nobel famous? 4.What historic event does the nursery rhyme “Ring-a-ring of roses” commemorate? 5.Who was the British Prime Minister at the outbreak of the Second World War? 6.In 1785, Blanchard and Jeffries became the first to cross the English channel using which method of transport?
ANSWERS: 1.Teddy Roosevelt 2.Bonnie Parker (Bonnie & Clyde) 3.Dynamite 4.The Plague 5.Neville Chamberlain 6.Balloon