The debate over who should pay for the medical treatment of wounded veterans continued in Washington this week.

After meeting with President Barack Obama, Tuesday, American Legion Commander David Rehbein said he would not support his reimbursement plan for veteran's benefits.

Obama would force private insurance companies to cover service-related disabilities and injuries, but Rehbein said the plan "would be inconsistent with the mandate to care for him who shall have borne the battle."

"The U.S. government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies," he charged.

The American Legion is the nation's largest veterans group and claims many health insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered.

The group fears that some employers will be reluctant to hire veterans because of their potentially high health care costs.

The White House says no decision has been made on a veteran's benefits plan, but Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, says the plan will not get approval from the panel.