Military Health Care Reform, Compensation Policy and the Defense Budget

Within the broader debate about health care in the United States, issues specific to the U.S. military and Veterans Affairs have become increasingly apparent on the heels of more than a decade of war. At the same time, constrained budgets are forcing difficult decisions to be made about priorities, pressures and reforms. What are the most efficient ways to provide health care to military personnel, their families and retirees within or outside the Department of Defense system? Can the Pentagon save money with smart reforms? Can we find a way to ensure all active-duty military health care personnel and their families and veterans have necessary coverage in a timely fashion?

On December 19, the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence at Brookings will host a discussion on military health issues, with a principal focus on active-duty military. The event will open with a keynote address by Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. A panel discussion will follow with Brookings Senior Fellow Henry Aaron, former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Robert F. Hale, Booz Allen Hamilton Executive Vice President Jack Mayer, Director of the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform Alice Rivlin and Congressional Budget Office Senior Analyst Carla Tighe Murray. Michael O’Hanlon, senior fellow at Brookings, will moderate.

Following the discussion, panelists will take audience questions.