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I have a quick question regarding this article, when did the armed forces change their policy and let infected personnel continue to serve? I have a friend who was diagnosed in 1988 while in the reserves and immediately told to resign. This is wonderful news but I had no idea there had been such a drastic turnaround.
Though service members may not pay for the care they receive, the care is not "free." It's paid for by the U.S. taxpayer. Health care is never "free." Somebody pays.
If a person has served in the military, but is no longer on AD they can always get treatment from a VA center close to their home. I was in the reserve when diagnosed in 2003. After starting HAART in 2004, I have had an undetectable viral load (even when I was only taking 200mg of Sustiva (efavirenz) instead of 600mg)along with Combivir( Lamivudine +Zidovudine). I have since switched to Atripla with the same results. I have nothing but good things to say about the VA.
Medical Care for Active Duty is not "free" it is part of the complete pay package. If you want "FREE" medical coverage then join.
BEAN
PAUL WELL SAID- TO ANSWER ALEX'S QUESTION MORE CLEARLY- ABOUT THE MID 90'S WHEN THE NUMBERS STARTED CLIMBING- AND MEDICAL SEPARATIONS & MEDICAL RETIREMENTS GOT MORE EXPENSIVE & THE GOVERNMENT REALIZED- THEY HAD "BOUGHT & PAID FOR GUINEA PIGS" OTHERWISE YOU COULD "LEAVE" AND LET THE VA PICK UP THE TAB-BUT THAT TOO WAS VAGUE THE DOWN SIDE ACTIVE DUTY PEOPLE WHO ARE "HEALTHY" THEY DON'T KNOW THAT THE PERSON THEY WORK W/ COULD BE HIV/AIDS POS & IF THEY DECIDE TO HELP THEM IF INJURED ARE AT RISK TOO
April 25, 2011 • DC