(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today blasted a proposal by the Obama administration to change the way veterans pay for treatment of combat and service-related injuries. Traditionally, any healthcare costs that result from military service were paid for by the government; however the Obama plan would make the veteran’s private insurance pay those costs.

“The United States needs to live up to the promises we’ve made to veterans,” said Graves. “Congress has spent over two trillion dollars on stimulus plans and bailouts, but now they want to nickel and dime veterans. I am committed to making sure this bad idea doesn’t go any farther.”

Currently, veterans are responsible for any health-care costs that are not related to their military service. Exceptions can be made for veterans without private insurance or who are 100 percent disabled. Under the administration’s plan, veterans could face an increase in their private insurance costs or have difficulty even getting health insurance. The leader of the nation's largest veteran’s organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama to discuss the plan.

“It became apparent during our discussion (Monday) that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it.”

The proposal has not been made public yet, but is expected to be contained in the Veterans’ Administration budget for the next year.

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