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 military retirees. HR 816 : “Military Retirees Healthcare Protection Act” Prohibits TRICARE enrollment fee increases

1 st Implement any and all cost saving measures 2 nd 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

EDUCATION Post 9/11 GI Bill Many technical corrections still needed Compare what bill is best for you? Go to 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 in 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

AFSA Effect on Military Pay Raises

News You Can Use! Visit the websites… Congress wants to know what YOU want changed! Call them at , , Write, and most importantly, LET THEM KNOW!

Contact the Air Force Sergeants Association ext ext 291

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