Bipartisan Bill Aims to End Costly Fees for Military Families Covering Adult Dependents

In a significant advancement, TRICARE dependents can continue to benefit from their parents’ military health insurance until they reach the age of 26, potentially avoiding the burden of costly monthly premiums. This change results from the reintroduction of bipartisan legislation in Congress.

The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate, aiming to align TRICARE’s regulations with the civilian standards established by the Affordable Care Act. This legislation would enable young adults to remain on their parents' health insurance plans until the age of 26 without incurring additional costs. 

At present, TRICARE provides coverage for dependents until they reach the age of 21, or 23 if they are enrolled in school on a full-time basis. However, it is essential to note that eligibility hinges on the submission of proof demonstrating financial dependence. Following that age, military families are required to enroll in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, with monthly costs ranging from $337 to $727 per month.

Advocates for the legislation, such as Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former astronaut and Navy captain, contend that this inconsistency is unjust. The proposed legislation aims to ensure equal treatment for military families, a group that is already facing significant financial challenges.

“It’s simply unjust that military families are compelled to spend hundreds of dollars each month to maintain TRICARE coverage for their young adult children, especially when civilians can keep theirs covered at no cost until they turn 26,” Kiggans stated.

Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reveals that over 20% of uninsured Americans are adults aged 18 to 26, frequently attributed to unstable or part-time jobs that lack health benefits. Civilian families can typically include these young adults in employer-sponsored health plans, whereas military families often encounter significant financial obstacles in doing so.

“It is unjust for military families to incur higher costs than civilians when it comes to healthcare for their young adult children,” stated Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association, as advocates like Pinchotti continued to call for change.

Major veteran and military family advocacy organizations, such as the American Legion, VFW, Blue Star Families, and the Military Officers Association of America, are lending their support to the proposed legislation.

According to Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), the proposed legislation has the potential to provide significant financial relief, with some military families projected to save as much as $8,700 each year.

The proposed legislation promises to deliver essential financial support and equitable healthcare access to countless families connected to service, addressing a long-standing need for assistance.

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