Congressman Brett Guthrie (Bowling Green) introduced his first piece of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. The legislation would provide families of military members killed in combat the same healthcare coverage they received while the soldier was alive.
Washington, DC – Congressman Brett Guthrie (Bowling Green) introduced his first piece of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. The legislation would provide families of military members killed in combat the same healthcare coverage they received while the soldier was alive.
“It is our responsibility to care for the widows and children of those who have died in the line of duty,” Guthrie said. “These families have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and they deserve the best care we can provide.”
As a graduate of West Point and a veteran of the 101st Airborne, Congressman Guthrie is committed to using his first-hand military experience to address the tough issues veterans and their families face.
“The current way healthcare benefits are provided to the families of service members killed in combat is burdensome and costly. My legislation will make sure those families, whose loved ones gave their lives for our freedom, have affordable coverage. This is something everyone can agree on, regardless of political party,” Guthrie added.
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BACKGROUND:
Active duty soldiers receive considerably reduced medical costs for their families and themselves, including waivers on co-payments, enrollment fees, and deductibles. Under current law, the dependents of service members who are killed in combat remain on the same medical care, as if the service member were living, for three years. However, after three years the dependents are moved to TRICARE for retired members (U.S. CODE TITLE 10 § 1079). Under this coverage, enrollment fees and co-payments go back into effect.
