.JPG)
We will not address the decades-old “bait and switch” controversy about “join-up” and have free healthcare for life. Since the end of WW II military retirees have based their locus of retirement on a number of factors. A major factor in that choice was the availability of direct health care from a military installation. It was, for the most part, is a symbiotic relationship with local communities. The existing healthcare communities did not have to absorb great numbers of military beneficiary’s patients but did attract specialty care to the medical community.
The driving force which changed all this may be found in the five Base Realignment and Closure Commissions (BRAC). We will not address the “Wisdom” of these actions but what we hope are the unintended consequences to those who were left in the wake of these decisions and the emotional and human cost of such actions. We don’t pretend that our perception of these events will be shared by all of our readers. The stark contrast between care in a military healthcare setting and its civilian counterpart transcends issues of quality etc.; the unique bonding of experience and shared expectations can’t be duplicated in other settings.
Over the next few years you will see the number of military healthcare facilities cut in half. If past is prologue, the military healthcare system will be down-sized to care for the fighting force only. Is there a Commission in your future which will see little or no distinction between military retirees and others who have gained their eligibility through age and economic circumstances?
Independent Commissions serve as vehicles to shield both the Executive and Legislative Branches from voter retribution. Rest assured that the process does not create Political Neutrality.
Comments
I am also a GW alumni and military veteran . However , my long term perspective differs from yours about the closing of military healthcare facilities for retired military personnel .I worked for the Veterans Administration system as Director of Engineering services at several of their hospitals , and witnessed first hand the inefficiencies and waste in government run medical facilities .At the time I submitted a suggestion the VA , or government issue a health plan card to retired veterans authorizing care at private hospitals ,in that the law obligated the government to provide such care but did not require facilities be built specifically for such retired military/veteran personnel .Of course I would have the government stipulate only quality care in the plan and oversee this requirement .My experience in a government bureaucracy convinced me their mission was to perpetuate the bureaucracy at all costs , and the reason for which they were established was secondary at best .
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!