Democratic lawmakers Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Andy Kim, alongside Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, are spearheading a bipartisan effort to introduce legislation aimed at enhancing healthcare options for army reservists and National Guard members who also hold federal government positions. This legislative initiative, known as the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act, seeks to address existing limitations within regulations that prevent these service members from enrolling in the more cost-effective Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) health plan, despite their eligibility for federal health plans.
Senator Blumenthal underscored the critical importance of ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare for servicemembers and their families. He emphasized that the proposed legislation would empower servicemembers to select care plans tailored to their individual needs, thereby enabling them to avoid expensive healthcare options and excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
Drawing from her own military background, Rep. Kiggans stressed the necessity of granting eligible members of the National Guard and Reserves access to TRICARE, characterizing it as a fundamental entitlement that they should already possess. Meanwhile, Rep. Kim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the imperative of providing service members with the healthcare coverage they rightfully deserve and underscoring the potential positive impact on military retention and readiness.
The bill has garnered support from additional lawmakers, including Democratic Sens. Tina Smith and John Fetterman, as well as independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, all of whom are co-sponsoring the legislation. Moreover, prominent organizations such as the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), and the Reserve Organization of America (ROA) have voiced their endorsement of the proposal.
Retired Major General Francis M. McGinn, president of NGAUS, emphasized the unwavering dedication of Guardsmen to serving the country and strongly advocated against penalizing those who are also federal employees by mandating enrollment in more expensive healthcare plans.
In essence, the proposed legislation aims to address a significant issue affecting servicemembers who balance military obligations with federal employment. By enhancing their access to affordable healthcare options, it seeks to promote the well-being and security of these individuals and their families.