SE Connecticut News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 16, Rep. Courtney issued the following statement after Senator Blumenthal announced his plans to introduce Rep. Courtney’s Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act in the Senate. The bill will extend health care coverage for surviving family members following the death of a Guard or Reserve Member from six months to three years—the same length as active-duty components.

“Ahead of Memorial Day, I am reminded of the sacrifice of Bolton’s Army Reservist Sergeant First Class Michael Clark who died in a training accident. Unfortunately, tragic accidents like these often expose gaps in our laws. Soon after Michael Clarks’ death, his family was notified that the cost of their health care coverage would significantly increase—all because of an inexplicable law,” said Rep. Courtney (CT-02). “Last month, I introduced legislation in the House to fix this flaw not just for the Clarks but for anyone who might be put in this situation in the future. The introduction of this bill in the Senate is another important step in this push.”

Background

On April 27, 2023, Representative Courtney introduced the Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act 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 service member 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.

The bill is endorsed by the American Legion, Reserve Officer Association, and National Guard Association of the United States.

Original source can be found here.