Bill Summary
The "TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act" is a proposed amendment to title 10 of the United States Code aimed at enhancing the TRICARE healthcare program for certain members of the Retired Reserve from the reserve components of the Armed Forces.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Adjustment of Eligibility for TRICARE**: The legislation modifies existing eligibility criteria for TRICARE, allowing members or former members of the Retired Reserve who are under 60 years old to qualify for TRICARE benefits, even if they are not yet receiving retired pay, with specific exceptions outlined in the bill.
2. **Definition Clarification**: It clarifies that a member is eligible if they qualify for non-regular retirement at age 60, are under that age, and are not currently receiving retired pay unless disqualified due to specific sections of title 38.
3. **Implementation Timeline**: The changes will take effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, providing time for implementation of the new eligibility criteria.
Overall, this legislation aims to provide fairer access to healthcare benefits for younger members of the Retired Reserve, improving their support and care during the transition to retirement.
Possible Impacts
The "TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act" proposes amendments to the eligibility criteria for TRICARE, the health care program for military members, retirees, and their dependents. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Healthcare for Younger Retired Reserve Members**: This legislation allows members of the Retired Reserve who are under 60 years of age and not currently receiving retired pay to become eligible for TRICARE. As a result, younger retirees who have served in the National Guard and Reserve will have improved access to healthcare services, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduce financial burden from medical expenses.
2. **Support for Transitioning Service Members**: By providing TRICARE eligibility for those who are qualified for non-regular retirement but have not yet reached age 60, the legislation supports service members transitioning to civilian life. Access to healthcare during this adjustment period can be crucial for mental and physical well-being, helping individuals reintegrate into civilian society more effectively.
3. **Clarification of Eligibility Criteria**: The amendments specify that eligibility is contingent upon certain conditions, such as not receiving retired pay due to specific sections of title 38. This clarification can help reduce confusion among eligible retirees regarding their benefits, allowing them to navigate the system more easily and ensure they receive the healthcare support they need without unnecessary delays or complications.
Overall, the legislation aims to enhance healthcare access for a specific group of military retirees, potentially improving their quality of life and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve for their service.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7667 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7667
To amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the TRICARE program
for certain members of the Retired Reserve of the reserve components.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 24, 2026
Mr. Van Drew introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the TRICARE program
for certain members of the Retired Reserve of the reserve components.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``TRICARE Fairness for National Guard
and Reserve Retirees Act''.
SEC. 2. TRICARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE RETIRED RESERVE.
(a) Adjustment of Eligibility.--Section 1074(b)(2) of title 10,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a member or former member
eligible for retired pay for non-regular service under chapter 1223 of
this title who is under 60 years of age unless such member or former
member is in receipt of such pay (or would be in receipt of such pay
but for section 5304 or 5305 of title 38).''.
(b) TRICARE Retired Reserve.--Section 1076e(a) of title 10, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``who is qualified for a
non-regular retirement at age 60 under chapter 1223 of this
title, but is not age 60,'' and inserting ``described in
paragraph (3)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) A member of the Retired Reserve of a reserve component of the
Armed Forces is described in this paragraph if the member--
``(A) is qualified for a non-regular retirement at age 60
under chapter 1223 of this title;
``(B) is not age 60; and
``(C) is not in receipt of retired pay under such chapter,
unless the member is not in receipt of such retired pay due to
the application of section 5304 or 5305 of title 38.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall
take effect on the date that is 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
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