House Passes Kiggans’ Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Military Families

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) H.R. 8108, the Care for Military Kids Act. This legislation, which Congresswoman Kiggans introduced alongside Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), aims to ensure servicemembers can maintain critical healthcare coverage and medical services for their children no matter where their service takes them. 

“Our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much for our country, relocating frequently and spending months apart,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “As a Navy spouse, mother of four, and a veteran who served for nearly 10 years myself, I firmly believe servicemembers should be able to maintain healthcare coverage for their children when they are relocated. I am thankful my colleagues agree and passed my bipartisan bill unanimously. I urge the Senate to act on this legislation quickly so we can ensure military children have access to the consistent healthcare coverage and medical care they need to lead healthy, happy lives. They should never have to forgo critical care because of their parents’ selfless decision to serve.”

Specifically, the Care for Military Kids Act would amend the Social Security Act to ensure that any dependent of an active duty servicemember currently receiving long-term care services through a state administered Medicaid plan will remain eligible for those services should their family be stationed in another state. The legislation is endorsed by the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), and The Arc of the United States.

Medicaid is operated by states, meaning that portability of benefits related to home and community-based healthcare services is not guaranteed from one state to another. This puts individuals and their families at risk of a loss of services when they leave their state, which particularly impacts dependents of military servicemembers who frequently transfer locations as part of the family’s commitment to serving their country. A new report from the Children’s Hospital Association underscores Medicaid’s significance in enabling healthcare access for nearly three million children in military-connected families.

“I introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Kiggans, and am thankful to those who helped ensure its swift passage,” said Congresswoman Kaptur, senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “Our servicemembers commit their lives to the safety and security of all Americans. It is essential we ensure that dependents of active duty servicemembers do not lose their critical healthcare coverage through Medicaid and CHIP as their families transfer locations while in service to our nation. Through this bipartisan effort we will prevent military families from facing the burden of healthcare insecurity and uncertainty. I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill and our military community have received and look forward to Senate passage so we can send this legislation to the President’s desk to be signed into law.” 

“Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) commends Congresswoman Kiggans on the passage of this bipartisan legislation, the Care for Military Kids Act, alongside Rep. Marcy Kaptur,” said Bryant J. Thomas, Vice President of Advancement at CHKD. “This crucial bill will ensure active-duty dependents with disabilities covered by Medicaid can access vital long-term services across state lines. Our military families deserve seamless access to healthcare services, especially for dependents with long-term health needs. Community-based and home care is essential for children facing chronic health challenges. CHKD supports this legislation to enhance care for our nation’s military families.”

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