News Release

WASHINGTON - The House today voted to expand eligibility for TRICARE medical insurance to many members of the National Guard and Reserve, according to U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).

“This measure greatly improves the availability of affordable health insurance for members of the Guard and Reserve,” said Spratt.  “It helps ensure we can recruit and retain these valuable members of our military.  We cannot afford to lose them, and I believe this will improve both retention and readiness.”

The measure was included in the defense authorization bill, which now moves to the Senate.

Under current law, members of the National Guard and Reserve called to active duty for a period of 30 days or more receive TRICARE Prime (the managed care option) from as early as 90 days prior to activation until 180 days after activation.  But after that period has expired, TRICARE Standard coverage is only available to National Guard and Reserve members called to active duty after September 11, 2001, who served on active duty continuously for 90 days or more, and who commit to continued service of one or more years in the National Guard or Reserve within 90 days after release from active duty.  These members are responsible for paying 28 percent of the cost of premiums for such insurance.  If members of the National Guard and Reserve do not meet these criteria, TRICARE Standard is available only at higher level rates of 50 percent and 85 percent of the premiums paid by the Department of Defense.

Spratt said the measure eliminates these criteria and makes all members (and families) in the Selected Reserve eligible for TRICARE Standard at the rate of 28 percent of premiums for as long as they remain in the Selected Reserve.  The Selected Reserve consists of members of the National Guard and Reserves who train on average one weekend each month and serve at least two weeks of annual tour.  Members of the Selected Reserve who are eligible for another federal health plan are not eligible to enroll in TRICARE Standard.

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