Nelson, Graham Legislation Expands Eligibility for TRICARE Coverage for Retirees

Press Release

Nelson, Graham Legislation Expands Eligibility for TRICARE Coverage for Retirees

Retired members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families will be eligible to receive the military's TRICARE Standard health care benefits under a bill introduced by Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill, entitled the TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2009, would provide Gray Area Retirees with health benefits.

Gray Area Retirees are those retired members of the National Guard and Reserves with 20 or more years of military service, who are eligible for military retirement pay and TRICARE Standard coverage at age 60, but who are not yet 60 years of age. This bill would allow eligible Reserve retirees who have not reached the age of 60 to access TRICARE coverage until age 60, by purchasing TRICARE Standard coverage for 100% of the premium.

"The reserve components have undergone a significant transformation in the past 8 years from a Cold War-era strategic force to an operational force, manned and equipped to face both the traditional and asymmetric threats of the 21st century," said Senator Nelson. "The reserve components respond when unforeseen events require greater mobilization than the active duty can provide. Our reserve components are engaged in all fronts of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and now require greater vigilance on our part and delivery on our obligation to provide them with the care they require."

"Guardsmen and Reservists are our nation's citizen-soldiers," said Graham. "They spend their entire careers balancing lives in the civilian and military worlds. The roles they play, both in their communities and in the defense of our nation, make their service unique. They are doing incredibly difficult jobs in the most trying of circumstances. They have earned increased benefits and it is important that Congress recognize and reward them for their service. I appreciate Senator Nelson's leadership on Guard and Reserve issues," said Graham. "In these difficult times, we do not need more partisan politics, but to come together and acknowledge the sacrifices service members and their families are making."

According to the Department of Defense, as of December 31, 2008, there were 225,226 Gray Area Retirees nationwide which this legislation could potentially help get TRICARE coverage.

The Congressional Budget Office says the legislation would be nearly budget-neutral as the premiums paid by the beneficiaries would offset the costs.

Since September 11, 2001, 698,100 reservists have been activated. Currently, there are 123,843 National Guard and Reserve personnel activated and serving.

Senator Nelson serves as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, Senator Graham as Ranking Member.

The Nelson-Graham bill would provide access to benefits for "gray area" retired reservists and their families to the military's TRICARE program. TRICARE is the health care program serving active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families, survivors and certain former spouses worldwide. As a major component of the Military Health System, TRICARE brings together the health care resources of the uniformed services and supplements them with networks of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies and suppliers to provide access to affordable high-quality health care services while maintaining the capability to support military operations. More information: http://www.tricare.mil.

Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Johnny Isakson of Georgia, Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia cosponsored this legislation.

The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the Military Coalition comprised of 34 associations and the National Military Veterans Alliance comprised of 31 associations all have expressed support of this legislation.

Source