[Leica] Leica] Socialism?

[doubs43 at cox.net (Walker Smith)]

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>Marc, I'm also a veteran (Army and USPHS).  To the best of my knowledge I'm 
>not eligible for VA medical care.  I get care through the TriCare retiree 
>system at a local USAF hospital, and when I turn 65 I'll be converted to 
>ordinary Medicare.  Unless I'm mistaken, all vets are not automatically 
>eligible for VA medical care.  They have to have some kind of 
>service-connected condition, though it may be minimal.  There may also be 
>some kind of means test, although I'm less sure about that.  Are you under 
>the impression that VA care is an automatic benefit for all vets?  I'm 
>quite sure it's not.
>
Phil, I believe to qualify for VA care you must be a minimum of 10% 
disabled. I'm at the 30% level although I could likely be upgraded 
higher on a re-eval. My "Disability" check is subtracted from my Air 
Force retirement pay and then sent back to me as a separate check by the 
VA. Veterans are the ONLY government employees who pay their own 
disability from our own funds. All others get theirs over and above 
their normal retirement pay. A truly lousy system.

However, I'm NOT an authority of who is and isn't eligible for VA care 
so you should contact VA for specifics.

As for Medicare, the rules have changed and you should be eligible for 
"Tri-Care for Life" at age 65. You'll remain in the Tri-Care system with 
Medicare/Medicade picking up any excess not covered by Tri-Care. You 
MUST apply for it so as you approach 65, make sure you take the 
necessary steps if you want to remain on Tri-Care. I plan to stay on 
Tri-Care unless something changes in the next 3 1/2 years.

Walker