By MOAA Staff

MOAA outlined several key areas of concern “to our members and our nation” amid ongoing government efficiency work, pledging to use “all available resources” to ensure promises made to those who serve and have served, as well as their families and survivors, are kept.

Those top priorities, as outlined in a recent press release:

• PROTECT the value of service-earned health benefits from new TRICARE fees, disproportionate TRICARE cost-share increases, or barriers to accessing care in the Military Health System or through the VA.
  
  
• PRESERVE the pay earned by those in uniform, including scheduled pay increases and established concurrent receipt provisions and eligibility.
  
  
• PREVENT burdensome delays in VA claims processing and/or reduction of earned VA benefits.
  
  
• DEFEND the veterans and military spouses who continue their service in the federal government — and other federal employees who serve veterans.

MOAA called the work to find efficiencies in government “not only appropriate, but necessary” given mounting debt and other fiscal challenges. However, “without thorough review and implementation, our nation risks breaking promise and faith with the wider military and veteran community — a risk that weakens our national defense for generations,” the release states.

MOAA outlined other avenues for “responsible defense budget reform” in a previous statement, including greater efficiency in program management and acquisition, along with an overall budget strategy designed to limit “hasty cuts” in favor of long-term stability.

Ongoing Advocacy

The April 8 release came as MOAA members and staff made final preparations to visit congressional offices as part of Advocacy in Action (AiA), MOAA’s signature spring advocacy event. AiA addresses specific benefits issues ranging from health care access to spouse unemployment to caregiver concerns; visit our Legislative Action Center to make your voice heard on these topics.

These issues, and others that make up MOAA’s advocacy work, are critical to preserving a strong all-volunteer force. Keep up with the latest, including how you can add your voice to our efforts, at MOAA’s advocacy news page.