This bill expands TRICARE health insurance coverage to National Guard and Reserve members who have earned retirement credits but haven't yet reached age 60, when they would normally become eligible for retired pay. Currently, these service members lose their TRICARE benefits immediately upon leaving active duty, creating a coverage gap for those who have served long enough to eventually receive retirement benefits but must wait until age 60 to collect them. The legislation changes eligibility rules so these Retired Reserve members can access TRICARE coverage before reaching 60, with an exception for those whose retirement pay is delayed due to certain veterans benefits laws. The changes take effect on January 1, 2024, and would particularly help National Guard and Reserve retirees bridge the gap between their separation from active service and when they become eligible for traditional military retirement benefits.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.