Bill Overview
Title: To provide temporary authority to the Secretary of Defense to appoint retired members of the Armed Forces to military health system positions, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to appoint retired members of the Armed Forces to medical or health profession positions in the civil service within the military health system.
Sponsors: Rep. Kilmer, Derek [D-WA-6]
Target Audience
Population: Retired members of the Armed Forces
Estimated Size: 1900000
- The primary group impacted by this bill will be retired members of the Armed Forces, as it creates opportunities for them to be appointed to military health system positions.
- Current servicemen and women who rely on the military health system may indirectly be affected by any changes in staffing and expertise levels within the system due to the recruitment of retired service members.
- Secondary impact might be felt by the families of active servicemen and retirees who receive healthcare from the military health system, as any change in staffing might affect service efficiency and quality.
Reasoning
- Given the budget constraints, a significant impact on wellbeing should be attributable to an increase in job security and purpose for retired military personnel who find these new positions attractive and feasible.
- The policy should not negatively impact the wellbeing of the general population; however, improved staffing could lead to better healthcare delivery, indirectly benefiting servicemen and their families.
- A proportionate response from retired armed forces members suggests most will not change their current path immediately. Thus, the program will likely incentivize a smaller subset early on.
Simulated Interviews
retired - former Army medic (San Diego, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this program is a great opportunity for people like me.
- I miss working in the medical field and helping my fellow servicemen.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired - former Navy nurse (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an appealing option but depends on pay and workload.
- I might consider it if it fits around my current commitments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired - former Air Force pilot (Austin, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is unlikely to impact me directly as it's not in my field.
- I'm glad it might help others who are medically trained.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired - former marine corps doctor (Columbus, OH)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I applaud the policy for creating more positions.
- I am too old to take up any new roles, though I might mentor young hires.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired - former Army psychiatrist (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is intriguing; a part-time position in the military health system is appealing.
- Flexibility will be key for retired individuals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired - former Army surgeon (Fayetteville, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm very interested as it bridges the gap after military service.
- It could be a great stepping stone for my civilian career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
retired - former military health administrator (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for well-qualified, retired personnel to contribute.
- If consulting roles were available, I would be interested.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
retired - former Navy corpsman (Seattle, WA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such policies provide chances for meaningful work.
- I'd be willing to rejoin if part-time roles become available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
retired - former Army physiotherapist (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The flexibility this policy offers could work well for me.
- Interested in very part-time work to balance family responsibilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
retired - former hospital corpsman - 7 years served (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I see its benefits, right now my focus is education.
- I might consider such an option in the future after my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The law allows for the utilization of experienced personnel, potentially improving military health care services.
- The policy is temporary, requiring a review after the initial years to assess effectiveness and decide on its continuation.
- Potential administrative and bureaucratic adaptations to accommodate the retired military members in civil service roles.