MOAA ISSUES – KEY POINTS
ISSUE #1: AVOID CATASTROPHIC SEQUESTRATION CUTS
Current law will force a $60 billion cut in defense spending as of January 2, 2013
· Threatens earned health care and other support programs for military families
ACTION NEEDED: Pass an alternative debt reduction deal
· Don’t put debt reduction burden on the backs of those who have served
ISSUE #2: PREVENT UNFAIR MILITARY Rx COPAY HIKES
The Military healthcare package is a primary offset for extraordinary career sacrifices
Senate Defense bill would impose very large Rx copay hikes on military beneficiaries
House bill would achieve equal Rx savings via:
§ Much smaller copay increases
§ Requiring TFL beneficiaries to use mail-order refill process for one year
§ 97% of 7,000 respondents to MOAA survey preferred House Rx plan
ACTION NEEDED:
· Support amendment to include House Rx plan in Senate defense bill
· Sustain House-passed plan in final defense bill
ISSUE #3: STOP 27% CUT IN MEDICARE-TRICARE PAYMENTS
Current law will force 27% cut in payments to doctors as of January 1, 2013
· Threatens health care access for seniors and all military beneficiaries
· Troops at war shouldn’t have to worry if sick child can see a doctor
ACTION NEEDED: Reverse the 27% cut as soon as possible
· Repeated short-term, 11th-hour fixes only undermine doctor/patient confidence