CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- Retired Master Sergeant Lisa Thomas spent 20 years in the U.S. Army working in intelligence.
She joined the military at 18 and stayed a little longer than she initially thought she would.
Thomas says she wanted to leave the military after 13 years, but stayed because at 20 years, you are eligible for benefits.
"So yeah at year 13 I was like 'well, I gotta push through.' Like I said for healthcare and pension," Thomas said.
But last week, Thomas received a letter from her health insurance Tricare, which is a health care program for veterans, active-duty members, retirees, and their families.
"But this letter came and said that for an individual plan. I would have to start paying $12.50 a month," said Thomas.
Each group has a different premium amount, but as an individual right now it's $12.50 a month.
This came as a shock to Thomas.
"When we retire, this is one of the things you're supposed to have for the rest of your life. Which is your health care, paid for, for the rest of your life," said Thomas. "So hit us up with this after at least 20 years…it's disheartening."
While $12.50 doesn't seem like a lot of money, Thomas is worried about the precedent that this will set for other benefits she has.
"When I did call to ask questions, because there was a number on this letter, and I asked the lady, the representative, and she said of course it's gonna increase, it's an insurance premium. That's gonna happen every year," Thomas said.
Now, Thomas is concerned about where the line will be drawn for other benefits.
"Because right now, nobody would complain about 12.50 a month, they'd be like 'no problem'. However, what ceiling? When will that stop? Is it gonna be come a hundred dollars a month over the years, or what?" Thomas said.
Thomas enrolled in Tricare Select Group A, so she would not have to pay premiums. For more information about Tricare, click
Like most veterans, Thomas has pre-existing conditions that prevent her from qualifying for civilian insurance.
