AFA Opposes Forcing Private Funding for Treatment of Battle Injuries

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AFA Opposes Forcing Private Funding for Treatment of Battle Injuries

Arlington, VA – The Air Force Association (AFA) today expressed concern about a proposal that would place the cost of treatment of battle injuries back on the veterans and their private insurance policies.

“This is a clear responsibility of the federal government,” said Joe Sutter, Chairman of the Board for AFA. “The United States has a deep obligation to care for veterans, wounded or otherwise.”

“We’re surprised to see this policy under review,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. “The care of wounded veterans is job one for the VA, and the reason the department was created by Congress in the first place.”

The Obama administration proposal would bill private insurance companies for the treatment of service-related medical needs for veterans. The plan calls for reimbursement from the private insurance carriers to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The plan was outlined in a White House meeting with various veterans service organizations, but has met with strong opposition from veterans groups.

“How would this change affect insurance rates, and coverage of a veteran’s family?” said Dunn. “What about the private insurance deductible?”

“AFA is disappointed with this effort to raise revenue by charging veterans for care,” Sutter said. “Congress should specify that the VA is obligated to care for service injuries and disabilities.”

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The AFA is a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing 125,000 members. Visit AFA www.AFA.org.

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AFA is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage. To accomplish this, we: EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security. ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education. SUPPORT the total Air Force family, and promote aerospace education.