# Access to Healthcare for Reservists Act

This bill makes it easier for military reservists to get healthcare through the Department of Defense. Right now, reservists—people who serve part-time in the military and aren't on active duty—often struggle to access medical care because they fall into a gap between the regular military healthcare system and civilian insurance. This bill aims to close that gap by expanding healthcare access specifically for these part-time service members.

The main change is that reservists would gain better access to military medical facilities and services even when they're not actively deployed or on duty. This means they could use military hospitals and clinics for routine care, emergency services, and other medical needs without having to jump through as many hoops or wait for special circumstances. The bill essentially recognizes that reservists sacrifice time and health for their country just like active-duty soldiers do, and they deserve reliable healthcare access as part of that service.

For reservists and their families, this could mean lower healthcare costs since military facilities typically charge less than civilian hospitals, more convenient access to care, and better continuity of medical records within the military system. It also helps the military retain experienced reservists by making military service more attractive—people are more likely to stay in the reserves if they know they and their families can get quality healthcare. The bill doesn't create entirely new programs but rather opens existing military healthcare infrastructure to reservists more broadly, making the system work better for this group of service members who often get overlooked in healthcare discussions.

Access to Healthcare for Reservists Act

Duckworth, Tammy

Access to Healthcare for Reservists Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to study the feasibility of expanding eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select and the TRICARE dental program to include all members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, their dependents, and their non-dependent children under the age of 26. The study must also assess potential cost effects, changes in out-of-pocket costs to beneficiaries, and effects on other federal programs. DOD must contract with a federally funded research and development center that is qualified and appropriate to conduct the study. Additionally, DOD must brief Congress on the methodology and approach of the study and submit a report on the results.