# What This Bill Does

This bill extends health insurance coverage for families of Reserve military members who die while serving. Right now, when a member of the Selected Reserve (part-time military personnel) passes away, their surviving family members can keep their TRICARE health insurance for six months. This bill would extend that period to three years, giving grieving families much more time to find alternative health coverage or make long-term plans.

# Who This Affects

This change matters most to spouses and children of Reserve members who die during their service. These are people who may have relied on military health benefits and suddenly lose both a loved one and their health insurance at the same time. Three years gives them significantly more breathing room to navigate a difficult transition—whether that means finding a new job with health benefits, enrolling in a spouse's employer plan, or getting coverage through the marketplace. For families already dealing with grief and financial uncertainty, having guaranteed health coverage for an extra two and a half years can make a real difference in their stability.

# Why It Matters

The bill is named after Sergeant First Class Michael Clark, suggesting it was inspired by a specific situation where this extended coverage would have helped. The change recognizes that six months isn't always enough time for a family to reorganize their lives after losing a military provider. By extending the deadline to three years, the bill gives survivors more realistic time to adjust their circumstances without the added stress of losing health insurance during an already vulnerable period.

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act

Courtney, Joe

Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act This bill extends the period of eligibility for health benefits under TRICARE Reserve Select for immediate family members to three years beyond the date of the death of a member of a reserve component. Under current law, the eligibility period continues for six months beyond the date of the death.