# Healthcare for Our Troops Act: Plain Language Summary

This bill makes healthcare cheaper or free for members of the military reserves and their families. Specifically, it eliminates premiums (monthly fees) that reserve members currently pay for their own health coverage through TRICARE Reserve Select, which is the military's health insurance program. Instead of paying monthly premiums for individual coverage, reserve members would get it at no cost. Their families would still pay a premium for family coverage, but that premium would be set at 28 percent of the actual cost of providing that care—meaning the military would subsidize the rest.

The bill also creates a new dental plan for reserve members with no premiums and no charges for dental care. Currently, reserve members have to pay for dental coverage, but under this bill they'd get dental benefits completely free. Additionally, the bill makes it easier for certain military retirees who haven't yet reached age 60 to access TRICARE health coverage, removing some eligibility restrictions that currently apply to them.

The practical effect is straightforward: reserve members and their families would save money on healthcare costs. A reserve member who currently pays monthly premiums for individual coverage would pay nothing instead. Families would still contribute to their coverage costs, but less than they might pay for private insurance. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to create new forms for civilian doctors treating reserve members, so providers can better track whether these service members are medically ready for deployment. The changes would take effect one year after the bill becomes law.

Healthcare for Our Troops Act

Kim, Andy

Healthcare for Our Troops Act This bill addresses TRICARE Reserve Select coverage and eligibility for Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve and their families. Among other elements, the bill provides eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select to Selected Reserve members of the Ready Reserve who are eligible for or enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.