WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 27, Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT-02) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01) introduced legislation supported by the American Legion to extend health care benefits for surviving family members following the death of a servicemember.
Lawmakers introduced this bill after the family of Sergeant First Class Michael Clark—a resident of eastern Connecticut who died during a 30-day training exercise at Fort Gordon—was set to have their TRICARE benefits severely altered.
Under current law, survivors and their families have a six-month window to remain on TRICARE Reserve Select if the servicemember dies within less than 30 days while on training or weekend drills. The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act would amend existing statute and extend that six-month window to three years – bringing parity for guard and reserve survivor benefits to that of active-duty personnel.
“Guard and Reserve personnel provide invaluable support to our nation and are critical to upholding peace and the international rule of law. As such, they should receive the same benefits as active component members,” said Congressman Courtney. “This bill will deliver on that goal by ensuring surviving family members have access to the health care coverage they need and deserve during the most challenging of times. I thank Representative Kelly for his support of this effort and service as a Major General in the Mississippi National Guard.”
“This bill will amend current policy to ensure Guard and Reserve members families receive the same benefits as active component members if they are killed while serving” said Congressman Kelly. “Our men and women in uniform, including guard and reserve, and their families should receive the best healthcare benefits available. The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark Tricare Reserve Parity Act honors our fallen servicemembers by providing for their loved ones when they need it most. I commend Rep. Courtney on his commitment to American Servicemembers, both the active component and Guard and Reservists.”
“I’d like to thank Congressman Courtney for leading the bipartisan effort alongside Congressman Kelly to introduce the Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act,” said The American Legion’s National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola. “This legislation honors the legacy of Reservists who died in the line of duty by expanding TRICARE benefits to their survivors so they are equal to their active-duty counterparts. The American Legion believes that every day in uniform counts, and it is essential to ensure the wellness of all survivors.”
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Veterans & Military Personnel
Original source can be found here.
