Good points. A military system ages out so it becomes obsolete and needs replacing. Using it means it needs replacing. 
Here is my radical plan that will never be accepted:
Socialize health care. Prioritize spending. If you're 80, you might not get a hip replacement but a 10 year old will get a new arm. Take 25% of money saved and work on reducing obesity.
Look at those ads: "before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have had surgery". A doctor does not know? Complete shared database for all people in healthcare
Limit doctor choice. More money for a doctor does mean a better surgery. The rich can buy their own doctor.
Quit expecting people to "shop" for healthcare, forcing 150 million people to become informed consumers. Establish review panels to make decisions.
Cut military spending by 25% over 10 years. Take half the savings and build sustainable energy systems and housing. 
Add a 10 cent per gallon gas tax each year for 10 years. Spend more on public trransit.
Crazy I know