Noteboom The Law Firm

House Defense Bill Increases Military Pay And TRICARE Fees

The House of Representatives passed their defense bill with a $690 billion price tag by a 322-96 vote. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 establishes how, where, why, and in what amount the Department of Defense (DoD) will spend money over the next fiscal year.

One of the provisions in this legislation allows for a 1.6% pay raise for members of the military. DoD employees with "unsatisfactory" job performance ratings, however, will not be granted pay raises under this bill. Civilians employed by the federal government, however, are on a pay freeze for 2 years.

At the same time the bill increases military pay, it increases fees for health care for all "working-age military retirees" utilizing TRICARE health insurance. Essentially, any retiree who does not yet qualify to draw Medicare will pay $30 more every year in coverage just for him or herself, and $60 more every year to cover his or her family.

TRICARE health care fees have not been increased in the last 15 years. Congress has twice rejected Defense Secretary Robert Gates' proposed increases in TRICARE fees over the last couple of years.

Unrelated to pay raises or TRICARE increase, attached to the bill was a provision delaying the Don't Ask Don't Tell law's repeal as well as an amendment designed to help severely wounded veterans and their spouses find gainful employment. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently began drafting their counter-part to this bill.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.