BLUMENTHAL & KIGGANS INTRODUCE SWEEPING MILITARY FAMILIES LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral legislative package that aims to improve services and benefits for military families. Included in the package is the Care for Military Kids Act – which is co-led by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) – the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act, the Coast Guard Parity Act, and the Bonus Act, all of which make meaningful reforms to improve health, personal, and financial outcomes for servicemembers and their families.
“Our bipartisan, bicameral legislative package will make a real difference in servicemembers’ lives—expanding benefits and improving healthcare for their loved ones,” said Blumenthal. “Our common-sense reforms honor the service and sacrifice military families make every day. By easing the financial burden on families and ensuring access to critical healthcare coverage, our measures will improve the quality of life for thousands of military families.”
“As a Navy spouse and mom of four, I know the extraordinary sacrifices our military families make to keep our nation safe—and they deserve more than just words of appreciation,” said Kiggans. “That’s why I’ve worked across the Capitol to advance commonsense legislation that improves healthcare access, protects earned benefits, and provides greater financial security for our servicemembers. Whether it’s ensuring National Guard members are able to choose the healthcare that works best for them and their families, fixing gaps in Medicaid coverage when families move between states, or making sure Coast Guardsmen can finish their careers with dignity, these bills are about honoring service with real, meaningful support.”
“Military families make immense sacrifices for our nation, and ensuring their children have consistent access to critical healthcare should never be a burden placed on them,” said Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will allow these families to maintain their home state’s Medicaid benefits, giving our servicemembers the peace of mind they deserve.”
“Medicaid can be a lifeline for military families whose family members need services that TRICARE doesn’t cover. But for too many military families, long waiting lists put that lifeline out of reach,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. “The Care for Military Kids Act would ensure that military families can maintain vital Medicaid services regardless of where they are stationed. We thank Senator Blumenthal and Representative Kiggans for leading the way on this important legislation.”
“For Guardsmen, juggling military requirements along with family, civilian careers, and education can be daunting. These bills are excellent steps forward to ease some of those stressors,” said retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, NGAUS president. “These policies address real issues that military families face on a personal, health, and financial level. I commend Senator Blumenthal and Congresswoman Kiggans for recognizing the unique nuances and for addressing them with continued dedication.”
The Care for Military Kids Act ensures servicemembers can maintain critical healthcare coverage and medical services for their children no matter where their service takes them. After moving to another state, current Medicaid regulations force military families to reapply for their children’s long-term care benefits through Medicaid since Tricare does not provide that benefit. The bill allows military families to remain on their home state’s Medicaid throughout their military career. The Care for Military Kids Act is endorsed by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the National Military Families Organization, and Blue Star Families. Bill text is available here.
The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act allows members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard holding employment within the federal government the choice between military and civilian healthcare plans. Current federal law prohibits members of the Reserves and Guard who are Federal employees – and eligible for Federal Health Benefits – from participating in the DOD’s Tricare system. The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act is endorsed by NGAUS, the Reserve Organization of America (ROA), and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Bill text is available here.
The Bonus Act would make all military recruitment and retention bonuses tax-free. Currently, military bonuses are taxed at the same level as those in the private sector. As a method to improve recruitment and retention, this legislation would eliminate the tax penalty on every eligible bonus. Bill text is available here.
The Coast Guard Parity Act ensures that enlisted Coast Guardsmen with at least 18 but fewer than 20 years of service are retained until they reach 20 years, unless separated for cause or misconduct. All other branches of the Armed Forces provide this protection. Bill text is available here.
