Us Congress House Bill HB2935

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/27/23
• Refer: 4/27/23

Caption

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 2935 would significantly alter the provisions concerning the health benefits available to surviving family members of those who served in a capacity of the Selected Reserve. The extended eligibility period would not only enhance the support system for these families but could potentially serve as a precedent for further amendments related to military health benefits in the future. This may affect funding allocations and administrative processes within the Department of Defense and TRICARE services.

Summary

House Bill 2935, known as the Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act, aims to extend healthcare eligibility for certain survivors of members of the Selected Reserve. This bill seeks to amend title 10 of the United States Code specifically targeting the duration of health benefits available to these survivors under TRICARE Reserve Select. The current limitation of six months for eligibility will be increased to three years, providing extended support for families who have lost members serving in the Selected Reserve.

Contention

While proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of supporting military families and addressing the necessity of prolonged healthcare coverage during times of loss, there may be discussions surrounding financial implications. Critics might express concerns about the additional costs involved in extending these benefits, requiring careful examination of budget appropriations. However, supporters may argue that the moral responsibility towards military families outweighs these financial arguments.