Legislators advocate for the abolition of TRICARE premiums for dependents under the age of 26
The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, a bipartisan bill with over 35 co-sponsors in the House, aims to extend TRICARE health coverage for military dependents up to age 26, thus aligning it with civilian plans that already allow dependent coverage until that age.
Currently, TRICARE, a federal healthcare program, is exempt from parts of the Affordable Care Act, including the rule requiring coverage for dependents until age 26 at no additional cost. This results in a coverage gap that forces military families to lose TRICARE benefits for dependents at age 21 (or 23 for full-time students), leading to higher out-of-pocket costs or expensive alternative coverage such as TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) plans, which can cost several hundred dollars monthly.
The Act intends to address this issue by providing equitable and affordable health care access to military families. By enabling young adult dependents to remain on their parents' TRICARE plan until age 26, the act aims to reduce healthcare costs by up to approximately $8,724 annually for about 350,000 military families nationwide. It also supports continuity of care during critical transitions for young adults and helps maintain the health and well-being of military families, which is crucial for recruiting and retention in the all-volunteer force.
After the age of 26, military families have the option to enroll their children in the TRICARE Young Adult program, which requires families to pay monthly premiums based on commercial insurance rates and coverage. The monthly premium for TYA has increased by 81% since 2015, from $208 to $376. As of 2020, the monthly premium was $376. However, TYA prime now costs $727 per month per dependent, representing a 250% increase since 2015.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) stated that this legislation will raise the age limit, allowing military dependents to stay on their parent's insurance plan until 26, the same age as civilians, without a premium increase. The bill is backed by more than 20 organisations, including Blue Star Families, National Military Family Association, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Association of the United States, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the American Legion, and Wounded Warrior Project.
Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor, supports the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the legislation would cost about $125 million annually. The bill was previously introduced in both 2021 and 2023.
Young adults have the lowest rate of access to employer-based insurance, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This legislation seeks to close that gap for military families, ensuring they have the same healthcare opportunities as their civilian counterparts.
[1] Congressional Budget Office: Cost Estimate for H.R. 2637, Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57836 [2] With Honor: With Honor Endorses the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act. (2021). Retrieved from https://withhonor.org/press/with-honor-endorses-the-health-care-fairness-for-military-families-act/ [3] National Military Family Association: Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.militaryfamily.org/advocacy/legislation/health-care-fairness-for-military-families-act/
- The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act seeks to align TRICARE with civilian plans by extending health coverage for military dependents up to age 26.
- This bipartisan bill aims to address a coverage gap, currently forcing military families to lose TRICARE benefits for dependents at age 21 or 23 for full-time students.
- By enabling young adult dependents to remain on their parents' TRICARE plan until age 26, the act intends to reduce annual healthcare costs for about 350,000 military families by up to approximately $8,724.
- The Act also aims to support continuity of care during critical transitions for young adults and maintain the health and well-being of military families, which is crucial for recruiting and retention in the all-volunteer force.
- After the age of 26, military families can enroll their children in the TRICARE Young Adult program, which requires families to pay monthly premiums based on commercial insurance rates.
- The monthly premium for TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) has increased by 81% since 2015, and TYA prime now costs $727 per month per dependent, representing a 250% increase since 2015.
- The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act is backed by more than 20 organizations, including those focusing on mental health, fitness and exercise, medical conditions such as cancer, respiratory and digestive health, eye and hearing health, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and various therapies and treatments.
- The bill, estimated to cost about $125 million annually by the Congressional Budget Office, has been previously introduced in 2021 and 2023, and is supported by Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor.
