National Guard - Health Care

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The National Guard and Health Care
Sen. Leahy has worked with other members of Congress to approve a plan to expand TRICARE benefits for members of the Guard and Reserve and their families.

The program significantly increases the length of time that eligible Reservists are able to receive TRICARE coverage. Under the new eligibility requirements, Guardsmen and Reservists who serve on active duty under federal orders for 90 consecutive days will be eligible for one year of TRICARE coverage. For every additional 90 days of service they will be eligible for an additional year of health care coverage.

The Department of Defense will pay 72 percent of the cost and the Reservist will be responsible for paying the remaining 28 percent.

Sen. Leahy (center) talks to reporters in the Capitol about extending TRICARE healthcare benefits to members of the drilling National Guard.

Members of the Reserve Component and their families were previously eligible for TRICARE only while on active duty. In 2004, Congress approved funding to provide enhanced TRICARE benefits to Guardsmen and Reservists.

Under the expanded program, Guardsmen and Reservists become eligible for TRICARE upon receiving their activation orders and can remain on the healthcare system for 180 days after they are deactivated. This provision applies to all members of the Guard and Reserve regardless of the length of time activated.

Visit the Department of Defense to learn more about TRICARE eligibility.

Sen. Leahy continues to work to expand health care benefits for citizen soldiers. Look below for more about his efforts.

Leahy Continues Fight To Expand Guard Healthcare And Retirement Benefits February 9, 2005

Congress Approves Expanded Medical Benefits For Members of Guard and Reserve October 9, 2004

Senate OKs Leahy Plan To Expand Guard And Reserve Health Benefits June 2, 2004

Senate Approves Leahy Proposal To Expand Guard And Reserve Benefits March 10, 2004

Leahy: Guard And Reserve Deserve Better Benefits January 28, 2004

Senate Approves Charter For Leahy-Led Healthcare Guarantee For National Guard And Reserves November 12, 2003

Bond And Leahy Request GAO Investigation Into Treatment Of Guard And Reservists At Army Mobilization Sites November 7, 2003

House-Senate Agreement In Iraq-Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Bill On Providing Health Insurance Coverage For Guard And Reserves October 29, 2003

Saturday Democratic Radio Address On State Of National Guard And Reserves Delivered By U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy October 25, 2003

Remarks Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, News Conference On The Administration's Continued Opposition To The TRICARE Health Insurance Plan For The Guard And Reserves In The Senate-Passed Version Of The Iraq-Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Bill October 22, 2003