West Hudson Valley News

SAUGERTIES, NY  – Standing alongside former Congressman and decorated Army veteran Chris Gibson, as well as advocates for veterans and military families, U.S. Reps. Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro today called for bipartisan action on the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act. This landmark legislation would extend health care coverage to TRICARE (Active Duty and Retired) beneficiaries who have adult children younger than 26 years old, lowering costs and ensuring healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of military families across the country. It was introduced by Rep. Ryan and has been cosponsored by Rep. Molinaro and 66 other Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.  

“Delivering for our military families goes beyond party- it is about patriotism and fighting on behalf of those who put their lives on the line for this country every day,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’m proud to stand with Congressman Molinaro and former Congressman Gibson because they understand there is no time to wait. We need immediate Congressional action to address this inequity and provide much-needed relief to military families across the country.” 

“I am honored to be standing alongside Congressman Pat Ryan, former Congressman Chris Gibson, and advocates for veterans and military families to call for bipartisan action in Congress on the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro.  “This bipartisan bill will expand health care coverage for military families who have made tremendous sacrifices in protection of our nation, freedoms, and way of life. This measure honors these sacrifices by ensuring military families get the health care they deserve. This bill has transcended party lines, garnering the support of over 50 lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, as well as the backing of military and veterans’ advocacy organizations. It’s time for Congress to take up this commonsense bill and pass it.”

“U.S. Reps. Pat Ryan and Marc Molinaro are leading the charge for this important bill before Congress that would change the law to ensure young adults of military families are treated the same as all other American families when it comes to health care insurance coverage options,” said Former Congressman Chris Gibson. “I strongly support this bill and I thank them both for their leadership and care for veterans and their families.”

TRICARE is the military’s health insurance program, providing comprehensive health care to eligible military service members, retirees, and their dependents. Under current law, TRICARE dependents can only remain on their parents’ policy until they are 21 years old, five years earlier than what is offered by most private insurance plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Once dependents turn 21, they have the option to enroll in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, but this results in an expensive monthly premium between $291 and $570 per month.

The bipartisan Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act extends dependent coverage under TRICARE for children of service members up to 26 years of age with no additional out-of-pocket cost.

The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act is endorsed by dozens of national organizations who support military families, including the VFW and the National Military Family Association. The full list of endorsing organizations and cosponsors is below.

Endorsed by:

• Air Force Sergeants Association, AMVETS, Army Aviation Association of America, Association of Military, Surgeons of the United States, Blinded Veterans Association, Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association, United States Coast Guard, Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc., Fleet Reserve Association, Gold Star Wives of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Reserve Association, Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America, Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Reserve Organization of America, Service Women’s Action Network, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, TREA: The Enlisted Association, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, USCG Chief Petty Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Blue Star Families.

Original source can be found here.