Tammy Baldwin introduces the “Healthcare for Our Troops” Act

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Healthcare for Our Troops Act, legislation to provide premium-free medical insurance coverage for all members of the National Guard and Reserve. Sixteen percent of Reserve and National Guard members, roughly 130,000 men and women who have volunteered to serve our country, do not have private health insurance.

The Healthcare for Our Troops Act would provide premium-free, zero cost-sharing medical coverage for Selected Reserve members eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and address financial barriers to seeking mental health care. In addition to providing health insurance, the legislation would provide service members with the option to complete annual medical readiness requirements with their preferred civilian provider, giving commanders back valuable training days and saving over $162 million annually in contracted medical assessments. The legislation would also create an incentive for employers to hire Guard and Reserve members by lessening demand for employer-sponsored healthcare plans.

As part of the press release, Senator Baldwin said:

Our service members in the National Guard and Reserve serve and sacrifice for their nation every day – and just like the brave men and women in every other service branch, they deserve and have earned high quality, affordable health care. My bill doesn’t just deliver earned benefits to our troops, it’s also an investment in military readiness to ensure service members get the care they need to stay healthy.

The legislation is supported by the National Guard Association of the United States, Wisconsin National Guard Association, Reserve Organization of America, and the Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted Association, which said in a press release:

The Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted Association (WNGEA) is grateful for the proposal of the Healthcare for our Troops bill, which will ensure that Soldiers and Airmen have access to consistent healthcare when meeting medical readiness requirements. This bill eliminates the need for healthcare transitions when switching between state and federal duty statuses when activated, allowing Guardsmen to focus on the mission instead of worrying about lapses in healthcare. WNGEA is greatly appreciative of Senator Baldwin’s support for the National Guard and the continual emphasis for ensuring military members and their families are provided for.

* See more on the PRESS RELEASE issued by Senator Baldwin’s office

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