NEW BILL WOULD EXPAND GUARD HEALTH CARE

The following information was released by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS):

Legislation introduced last week by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., would ensure premium-free medical insurance coverage is provided for all members of the National Guard and Reserve.

If passed, the Healthcare for our Troops Act would give Guard and Reserve members access to no-fee health care through TRICARE Reserve Select.

Currently, TRS charges a fee for medical and dental coverage.

Health care coverage is critical to increasing long-term readiness and strengthening efforts to recruit and retain service members.

"The National Guard is continually on the front lines both at home and abroad. Comprehensive healthcare is not a benefit; it's a necessity for readiness," said retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president.

"Our Guard members need this, and our nation needs them. I thank Senator Baldwin and her staff for their dedication to the National Guard and for their work on this effort."

In remarks made at the 147th NGAUS General Conference and Exhibition in Milwaukee, Aug. 23, Baldwin noted that about 130,000 Guardsmen and Reservists lack private health insurance.

"I believe it is morally wrong. It is bad for preparedness and readiness. And, yes, we need to change it," Baldwin told the audience.

Baldwin was the 2025 recipient of the Harry S. Truman Award, the association's most prestigious honor. [Video of Baldwin's remarks can be found here. They begin at 13:25.]

Besides expanding TRS, the bill would strengthen military readiness by ensuring access to needed physicals for no-notice deployments.

The bill also would incentivize employers to hire Guard and Reservists.

The bill would provide all service members with access to health services provided by network providers with no cost-sharing burden.

It would also facilitate more affordable access to critical preventive medical services as well as mental health care.

By Jennifer Hickey