WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand affordable healthcare options for members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard was introduced on Thursday in Washington D.C.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumental (D-Conn.), U.S. Rep. Jenn Kiggans (R-Va.) and U.S. Rep Andy Kim (D-N.J.) brought the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act to the table in both chambers of Congress. The legislation would enable members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard, who are also federal government employees, to choose between military and civilian healthcare plans, according to a release from Blumenthal's office.
Blumenthal noted that servicemembers and their families make sacrifices in service to the United States and that citizens must ensure they have affordable access to quality healthcare, McElwain wrote.
“With the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act, we provide servicemembers the ability to choose which care plans best suit their needs, ensuring they are able to receive essential care while avoiding costly plans and expensive out-of-pocket costs,” Blumenthal said.
Kiggans said that the men and women in the National Guard and Reserves are prepared and ready to defend our country at any moment and deserve healthcare that is adequate to their level of service and commitment.
“(This) bipartisan bill will give eligible members of the National Guard and Reserves the access to TRICARE they should already have. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, Navy wife and now Navy mom, I will always fight to take care of our men and women in uniform,” Kiggans said.
Kim said he is proud to help introduce the legislation to promptly make sure that thousands of federally employed servicemembers can access TRICARE coverage and select the healthcare plan that best suits them and their families.
“This important step would not only lower servicemembers’ healthcare costs and look after military families’ healthcare needs but improve overall military retention and readiness,” Kim said.
The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act amends a prolonged issue with the Tricare Reserve Select program, which is a more affordable health insurance option for many members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard. According to Blumenthal's office, federal law prohibits these servicemembers from enrolling in TRS if they are eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits plans under their civilian employment.
Therefore, servicemembers under these circumstances are forced into more costly healthcare plans. If passed, the legislation announced Thursday would end the prohibition, enabling all servicemembers to choose between healthcare plans. It would provide access to more satisfactory and accessible plans.
National Guard Association of the United States, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States and the Reserve Organization of America all endorse the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act.
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“This bill is more than a policy change; it's a testament to our Nation's respect for their dual service and a commitment to their health and well-being,” said Daniel Reilly, EANGUS president. “EANGUS supports this legislation and thanks Sen. Blumenthal and Reps. Kim and Kiggans for their leadership. Together, we can enhance the readiness and vitality of our Armed Forces, ensuring they are as robust and resilient as the Nation they protect.”
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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