In the proposed defense budget for 2012, the Obama administration has called for a sharp hike in health insurance premiums for military families and retirees.

The proposal is being perceived as divisive and is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, say US officials.
Several congressional aides suggest that the move is designed to increase enrollment in Obamacare’s state-run insurance exchanges.
The differential treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention.
The proposed increases in health care payments by service members are part of the Pentagon’s $487 billion cut in spending. It seeks to save $1.8 billion from the Tricare medical system in the fiscal 2013 budget, and $12.9 billion by 2017.
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