Spano Introduces Bipartisan TRICARE Bill to Help Veterans

The Florida legislature has been hard at work this year, and as the year draws to a close there’s still work to be done. As the leftover turkey goes back in the fridge for later, Florida Rep. Ross Spano (R) announced that he introduced a bill last week that would help National Guard and Reserve retirees.

Taking to Twitter to make the announcement, Rep. Spano informed that he would be introducing “the bipartisan TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act (H.R. 5169) that will help ease service members’ transition into retirement.”

In the National Guard Association of the United States website, in an article titled Legislation Would Close Health Care Gap for Some Guard Retirees, it’s explained that “if passed, the bill would align the eligibility age for TRICARE Standard, Extra and Prime with the age at which Guard and Reserve personnel begin receiving their retired pay.” Furthermore, “the legislation is supported by NGAUS, the Reserve Officers Association and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.”

Speaking on the bill, Spano commented that “we have heavily relied upon our National Guard and Reserve personnel for the past 20 years, and they have made major contributions to our force structure for over 200 years.” As well, “a decade ago, Congress lowered the age they can receive their retired pay based on active duty service. It’s not right that their eligibility for traditional TRICARE was left at age 60.”

The bipartisan effort was introduced last week by Rep. Spano and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D) who is also running for President.

She has faced criticism from the left for criticism members within her party, specifically President Obama.

Echoing in Spano’s remarks, she added that “this bill honors their service and sacrifice by improving their retirement transition and making sure they get the healthcare they have earned.”