AFSA Legislative Week Updates OCTOBER 20, 2009
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AFSA AFSA Legislative Week Updates Legislative Week Updates OCTOBER 20, 2009
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AFSA Legislative Week Updates OCTOBER 20, 2009. A Few Hot Topics for Us Today…. Health Care Education Pay & Compensation Survivor Benefits Other Bills of Interest. HEALTHCARE Prevent DoD plans to significantly increase annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees for - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of AFSA Legislative Week Updates OCTOBER 20, 2009
AFSAAFSALegislative Week Legislative Week
UpdatesUpdates
OCTOBER 20, 2009
A Few Hot Topics forA Few Hot Topics forUs Today…Us Today…
Health Care Education Pay & Compensation Survivor Benefits Other Bills of Interest
HEALTHCARE
Prevent DoD plans to significantly increase
annual TRICARE Prime enrollment fees for
military retirees.
HR 816 : “Military Retirees Healthcare
Protection Act”
• Prohibits TRICARE enrollment fee increases
1st Implement any and all cost saving measures
2nd Talk with Military Professional Organizations about other ways to
cut costs. Flat rate for all military retirees adversely affects enlisted members who retire at lower pay scale.
HR 1203 & S 491: “Military Retiree Health Care
Equity Act”• Pay health insurance premiums on pre-tax basis
HR 484: “Chiropractic Health Parity for Military
Beneficiaries Act”• Provide this service/benefit as permanent part of
TRICARE
EDUCATIONPost 9/11 GI Bill• Many technical corrections still needed
• Compare what bill is best for you?
• Go to WWW.NewGIBILL.org
HR 114: “The Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition Business Act”• Use financial educational assistance to
establish & operate certain businesses
PAY & COMPENSATION
HR 309: “The American Heroes’ Home Ownership Assistance Act 2009”
• Amend IRS Code to allow receipt of refundable credit for purchase of home
HR 2302: “The Military Retired Fairness Act of 2009”
•Limit recoupment of certain pays & benefits those retiring
HR 303 / 333 / 811, S 546: “Retired Pay Restoration Act”, etc.
• Provide concurrent retirement / combat-related special compensation and disability pay
Veterans should not have to fund their own disability compensation
Eliminate phase-in and allow regardless of disability level
HR 1624: “The Military Personnel Income Tax Exclusion Act”
• Amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income of service members certain amounts of basic military pay
SURVIVOR BENEFITS
HR 775, 2243 & S-535, 1118: “The Surviving Spouse/Military Survivor Fairness Acts”
•Repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under SBP to offset receipts of dependency & indemnity compensation
HR 509: “DIC Age 55 Remarriage Act”
•Reduce age to 55 w/o loss of DIC to surviving spouse
OTHER BILLS OF INTEREST
HR 108: “Disabled Veterans Commissary & Exchange Benefits Act
• Extend Commissary & BX privileges to vets w/compensable service connect disability
S 404: “Veterans’ Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009”
• Expand Eligibility for reimbursement for emergency treatment in non-DoD facilities
S-407: “Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009”
• Increase rates for compensation for veterans w/service-connected disabilities
HR 1182 & S-475: “Military Spouse Residency Relief Act”
• Guarantee equity of spouses of military personnel with regard to matters of residency
HR 466: “Wounded Veteran Job Security Act”
•Prohibit discrimination & acts of reprisal based on injuries & disabilities
HR 1305 & S 572: “Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act”
•Issuance of a “Forever” Purple Heart Stamp to honor the sacrifices of those awarded the PH
HR 208 & S 644, 831: “ The National Guard & Reservists Parity for Patriots Act” “ …Pay Equity Act of 2009”
• Guard & Reserve who have served on active duty after 9/11 in support of contingency ops or other emergency situations would receive certain credit for determining eligibility retirement and pay
• Time served would reduce retirement age
HR 270 & S 731: “The TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families”
• Provide TRICARE Standard coverage for members of Retired Reserve & their families who have qualified for retirement but are mot age 60.
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION
Capstone of the Organization
Championed Many Initiatives for Enlisted
Inherent Responsibility
Duties & Responsibilities
Your AFSA Your AFSA in Actionin Action
Writes Letters Lobbies Congress Testifies on Capitol Hill Helps Draft Laws Energizes Grassroots Supports The Military Coalition
Conferenced approved FY10 National Defense
Authorization Act (FY10 NDAA)
3.4% pay raise Grey Area – Tricare Standard for Guard/Reserve No TRICARE fee increases Prohibited fee increases on TRICARE inpatient
care for one year Additional 300 Million for Housing Assistance
Program (HAP)
LOOKING AHEAD
Technical corrections to the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Exceptional Family Member Program/Respite Care
Child Development Centers-Enhancements
Guard against TRICARE fee increases
Reduce retirement age for G/R
Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
3.43
2
4.4
3.93.5
3.7
4.8
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Year
Pe
rce
nt
DoD
Final
AFSA Effect on Military Pay Raises
News You Can Use!
Visit the websites…. www.hqafsa.org
www.thomas.gov
www.whitehouse.gov
Congress wants to know what YOU want changed!
Call them at 1-888-762-8760,E-Mail, Write, and most importantly,LET THEM KNOW!
Contact the Air Force Sergeants Association
1-301-899-3500 ext 291
1-800-638-0594 ext 291
Are You A Member of AFSA?
Want More Information?
