Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off.

Surprise Sting of SBP-DIC Offset Remembered

The military Survivor Benefit Plan is a contract between our government and retirees who makes a commitment to provide secured income for their survivors.

My husband of almost 56 years paid SBP premiums for 33 years to have peace of mind regarding my finances. I also became eligible for VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation due to his disabilities sustained during 27 years of military service defending our country.

The offset of SBP by DIC is unjustified. I’ve lost a lot of sleep over it, especially when notified that the Department of Defense had learned of my eligibility for DIC and, therefore, an offset was effective. The amount deposited in my bank account that December was $248.90. The VA and Defense Department finance office had not synchronized their handling of the offset since I had not yet received a DIC payment.

That December will never be forgotten. A veteran pays into a system for 33 years to give financial security to his survivor and a check for only $248.90 arrives to celebrate Christmas. It was an insult beyond anything I had expected. I questioned the compassion and loyalty of our government to veterans and their families. They didn't care enough to make sure one could put food on the table and pay the rent.  All dignity was stripped at the time, due to their inconsideration. I assume it was not an isolated case.

Yes, I later received a lump sum taxable payment, without my consent, for 33 years of payments, with no payment for interest earned. I would be happy to reimburse the government that lump sum, minus taxes I had to pay, to see justice served and the SBP-DIC offset eliminated.

Since my husband's death, small annual increases have not kept up with the cost of living. Medicare premiums have taken most of any “raises.”

Our government should honor the commitment for a survivor annuity made by veterans who stood by their own commitment with monthly payments for many years and their long service to their country.

U. E.
Louisville, Ky.

Three years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia, which got me a VA service-connected rating of 100-percent disabled.  I was told that if I died from this disease my wife would be able to draw DIC from the VA.  This year that would amount be $1108 per month.

However, if she elects to receive DIC, her SBP would be reduced by that amount. SBP should not be affected this way because it is an insurance plan paid by the retiree.  In two more years I will have it paid up and am hoping I live that long.

What I and retirees in this predicament want to know is when will Congress admit that there are three different benefits our wives should receive when we die: Social Security, survivor benefits and DIC. If my wife were to receive all of those perhaps she would be able to afford to keep the house we live in and pay the bills each month.

EDWARD S.
USAF-Ret.

FORMER SPOUSE SBP

I am the spouse of a retired Army gentleman. When we were married he was told I could not receive his SBP because he signed it over to his ex-wife during their divorce settlement. Since then, his ex-wife has remarried.

Because she remarried a servicemember is she still eligible to receive my husband’s SBP?  My husband was under the impression that if she remarried she would lose any benefits from him.

We have already met with the military lawyers and even they seem unsure how this works.

CAROL P.

Former spouse SBP coverage is suspended, and premium deductions from your husband’s retired pay, should be stopped if his former spouse becomes ineligible due to remarriage before age 55.

The former spouse's SBP eligibility is considered suspended for as long as the former spouse's subsequent marriage remains in effect.  If her remarriage ends by death or divorce, eligibility is reinstated and SBP cost deductions would resume. – Tom Philpott

USING LOCAL PHARMACY

At age 82 I can no longer drive to the Fort Jackson or Fort Bragg pharmacies for medications for myself and my wife.

Considering the cost of driving 200 plus miles and the traffic safety, I find that it is less expensive and safer to use a local retail pharmacy.

I tried the TRICARE Mail Order Program and it proved to be a pain in the ***.  We did not receive 90 days worth of all medications and it cost me $189 to fill one of my wife's prescriptions for 30 pills. The mail order program also reported shortages of other medications.

We returned to using our local pharmacy which offers delivery service if we are unable to drive to the store. Last October, I was medically prohibited from driving until April of this year. Our local pharmacy delivered our medications without a fee.

I hope TRICARE continues to allow us to use our local pharmacy!

HORACE W. LONG
Command Sergeant Major, AUS-Ret.
Via e-mail

HELP WITH DONUT HOLE

I’m classified as a Priority Group 8 veteran [which means I cannot enroll in the VA health care system].  I’m not asking for anything big…just some help with the “donut hole” in Medicare Part D coverage for medications.

The Medicare plan pays pharmacy costs up to $2400, then I am on my own till I reach $4800 and they take over again.  I’d like to be able to get VA medicines at a discount during this period.

At 65, given the state of the economy and having lost thousands in the stock market, every little bit helps.

JOHN W. O.
Former Airman First Class, USAF
Chicago

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com.