Smith Pursues Health Care for Guard and Reserve Troops
Legislation Would Provide Comprehensive Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Members
WASHINGTON, DC- Yesterday Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) introduced the National Guard and Reserve Comprehensive Health Benefits Act (S. 852), which addresses critical gaps in health care coverage for members of the National Guard and the Reserves. Smith was joined by his colleagues, Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH), Tom Daschle (D-SD), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
The bill allows members of the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces and their families to enroll in TRICARE, the health care system used by active duty personnel, on a cost-share basis. For reservists who have and prefer to maintain private health coverage for their family members when activated, the Department of Defense would reimburse a portion of the premium.
"Guard and Reserve troops may be expected to deploy within 24 hours, yet many go without preventive care and put off medical treatment due to lack of insurance and the high cost of health care. Making low-cost coverage available to these personnel will ensure that are medically ready to fight at a moment's notice," said Smith. "These citizen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have enough to worry about – they shouldn't have to wonder whether their families have adequate health care at home."
Those who participate in TRICARE would pay premiums roughly equivalent to those paid by federal employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan, or about 30 percent of the estimated cost. Over 20 percent of Selected Reserve, most of enlisted rank, have no health insurance.
"The war in Iraq makes it clear that the active military simply cannot fight effectively without a total force that includes the Guard and Reserve," said Smith. "This kind of comprehensive coverage is overdue and well deserved by these personnel and families who sacrifice so much for our nation."
Senator Smith has been a leading advocate for the uninsured across America. The legislation introduced today has the support of a broad coalition including the National Military Family Association, National Guard Association, Enlisted Association of the National Guard, Reserve Officers Association, Military Officers Association of America, and Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association.
