Trump Tax Cut

[Gene Howe]

John, my bad. You are correct. I just asked the bookkeeper. It's $15 per 90 day supply. Taint bad.

[dynabase]

I can only address my experience. I have no complaints about the "new" VA.

I got out of the USMC in 1974 with service connected hearing loss and some other injuries. They gave me a percentage and pocket change but nothing else. I tried the VA several times over the years but still nothing. Long story short the VA has changed in the last year. They are bending over backwards to take care of me now. I got top of the line hearing aids that would have cost me $12,000 if I had to buy them myself. Free glasses every two years, eye exams every year, a local doctor, physical therapy, the works. I am in shock at the difference in the attitude at the VA. I am thoroughly convinced the swamp is being drained. The VA has gone from no service to first class service in less than a year.

I would recommend any Vets out there to get reconnected to the VA. I would strongly suggest checking if you state has a Division of Veterans Services Office of Veterans Advocacy. The one we have here in Idaho (and eastern Washington) is phenomenal.

Michael

[swampgator]

For all veterans, if you receive Medicare, it takes precedence over your private insurance always. No questions. Obviously, I don't get very good service here in Pensacola VA and for those who get your excellent care per your posts, I am grateful that you do. So, why am I complaining and making known the imperfections of the VA?
1. When a veteran reports to the VA for service and gets accepted, why does the veteran have to request an ID card? Why does that veteran have to wait for weeks to get one or report back multiple times to get that card.
2. When the veteran visits the VA doctor with glasses on their faces, why does the doctor then not question the veteran about why he/she chooses to use a private doctor vice the VA services? Or recommend visiting the eye clinic?
3. The doctor I had would sit at his computer and ask the 20 questions and just before dismissing would listen to my heart and lungs. Never once looked in my mouth or ears. Never once asked question about skin problems or aches. Never suggested to go to the VA dental clinic, optometrist or hearing specialist.
4. With all the hundreds of millions of dollars alloted to VA for service to veterans, why does the VA charge Medicare, another government funded insurance?
5. When a veteran goes to the VA doctor with an ailment, why not send that veteran for tests or specialist? Why does the veteran have to be the medical expert and seek out dental care and get approval from the VA primary doctor? How does the veteran know which doctor to follow up with about the ailment? And, then get approval from the VA doctor?

Obviously, I am spoiled and expect a complete and thorough exam when I visit my doctor. Yes, for the same amount of money, I get better care and I can work with the medical assistants to arrange my appointments when it works for me. I have a wife who depends on me for absolutely everything and I have grandchildren to care for most afternoons and all weekends. When I was in the war zone, like Dusty said, they promised to care for us and our dependents for the remainder of our lives. I am still looking for that care. Have I expressed these concerns to the local VA? Yes. I see so many folks there that have far more serious needs than I have. I hope it is working for them. I'll take my chances in the private world.

Edit: Oh, yes, I did receive a tax withholding reduction of $15. Now with the COLA and the withholding funds, I am transferring that into my Christmas club so the money will be there at the end of the year to pay the due taxes. Oh, yes, I saw this trick back in the early 2000's.

This is my last comment to this thread. Thank you, John, for starting and contributing to this conversation.


Steve

[jsburger]

I can only address my experience. I have no complaints about the "new" VA.

I got out of the USMC in 1974 with service connected hearing loss and some other injuries. They gave me a percentage and pocket change but nothing else. I tried the VA several times over the years but still nothing. Long story short the VA has changed in the last year. They are bending over backwards to take care of me now. I got top of the line hearing aids that would have cost me $12,000 if I had to buy them myself. Free glasses every two years, eye exams every year, a local doctor, physical therapy, the works. I am in shock at the difference in the attitude at the VA. I am thoroughly convinced the swamp is being drained. The VA has gone from no service to first class service in less than a year.

I would recommend any Vets out there to get reconnected to the VA. I would strongly suggest checking if you state has a Division of Veterans Services Office of Veterans Advocacy. The one we have here in Idaho (and eastern Washington) is phenomenal.

Michael

I couldn't agree with you more Michael. There have been many improvements in the last year or so. I will say, however, I have had excellent results for the 20+ years I have been going to the Salt Lake VA. This is an outstanding facility.

My wife has a friend that she practically raised as a child. She was in the Air Force and was medically discharged 100% disabled for a bad heart. For what ever reason they could not fix her heart. The only option was a heart transplant.

The VA medical center in Salt Lake is directly across the road from the University of Utah. The universitie's school of medicine is one of the finest in the country. That is where Dr. Robert Jarvik invented the first artificial heart implanted in a human. That procedure took place at the university hospital in 1982.

Last summer the VA flew this woman to Salt Lake and put here up in a hotel while she waited for a heart to become available. Since she had no relatives here my wife was the VA's point of contact for anything she needed. She was here almost 6 months before one became available. She was admitted to the VA hospital and when the time came she was transported across the road the University of Utah medical center where the procedure was performed by the university. She stayed at the university hospital for 4 or 5 days and then was moved back to the VA where she stayed for a few weeks. When they released here she still had to stay in the hotel for almost 3 more months so the VA could monitor her healing. Since then they have brought her back for a check up. All this at absolutely no cost to her.

My wife used to visit her regularly while she was waiting for her heart. At that time there were 3 or 4 patients in the hotel recovering and another 7-10 waiting for hearts. All through the VA.

[dusty]

John, it pains me to say so but you were absolutely correct. My deposits all hit the bank this morning and I am now nearly $50.00/mo richer than I expected to be. My Rockwell retirement pay increased even though the tax withholding did not change. Somewhat confused but financially better off.

I'll wait another pay cycle just to make certain that this is not the result of a one time correction. The $50 will just about pay for my new set of 3" casters.

[dusty]

As the Cola and the Tax Reform changes occur (especially Tax Reform), what happens to take home pay?

As your net pay increases (as a direct result of the tax rate change), what happens to next years tax bill? What is being withheld to pay that bill decreases while at the same time the taxable total increases.....

I guess we really don't know until after all of the new tax tables and allowable deductions are disclosed. A notorious Democrat once said "We don't know what is in it until we read it". How very true.

[garys]

And, you can bet that no notorious Democrat ever read the tax increase bills he voted for.

[Gene Howe]

And, you can bet that no notorious Democrat ever read the tax increase bills he voted for.

Ditto!

[reible]

Well I was excited to see my added take home but alas there was none. Still using the old tax tables? I some how don't qualify? Glitch in the payroll system? I check my bank statement and the amount deposited today was the same as last month which was the same as the month before and so on.

And yes I have with holding on my pension.

Oh well.

Ed

[davebodner]

And, you can bet that no notorious Democrat ever read the tax increase bills he voted for.

Ditto!

You say this after the subject law was passed with no public hearings or debate, and no opportunity for input by anyone outside of a very few people, and rushed through so quickly that I can't believe anyone truly understood what was in it.