Senators Graham and Clinton Announce Congressional Panel Backs New Improvements to TRICARE Benefits for National Guard Members and Reservists
Senators Graham and Clinton Announce Congressional Panel Backs New Improvements to TRICARE Benefits for National Guard Members and Reservists
Washington, DC - Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) today announced that the Department of Defense Authorization bill conference report finalized today includes an amendment that will improve TRICARE benefits for National Guard members and Reservists, allowing all members of the Selected Reserve and their families to enroll in TRICARE with an across the board cost-sharing of 28 percent. Today's victory builds on the Senators' longstanding commitment to ensuring that members of our National Guard and Reserve and their families have access to the health care benefits they need and deserve.
"I'm pleased that after three years of work the House and Senate have finally agreed to make military health care coverage available to every member of the Guard and Reserve," said Graham.
"This long overdue benefit will help our recruitment, retention, and readiness efforts for our stressed reserve component. Every reservist and their family will be able to enjoy continuity of care, whether they are called to active duty or not. I appreciate the support of Senator Clinton in this effort along with Senators DeWine, Leahy, Chambliss, Allen, Warner and Levin. Senator Clinton and I have been fortunate to have very good allies in this effort and Congress has stepped up to the plate to meet the health care needs of our Guard and Reserves."
"I am proud that we have taken another step forward for our National Guard members and Reservists and their families. All members of the Selected Reserve and their families will now have access to TRICARE benefits, at one modest premium rate, regardless of their deployment status. This is the right thing to do for these brave men and women who are serving courageously on our behalf. This will also help ensure that our National Guard members and Reservists are medically ready to serve, which is critical to improving our preparedness," said Senator Clinton.
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http://clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=264183&&