WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tuesday, Reps. Chris Stewart and Tulsi Gabbard, both veterans, introduced the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2014, H.R. 4682. This bipartisan bill gives TRICARE-eligible veterans the ability to contribute to a Health Savings Account program.
Under current Veterans Administration policy, it is illegal for a TRICARE-eligible veteran to participate in an HSA program. The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2014, gives veterans the choice to voluntarily pause their TRICARE benefits in order to participate in an HSA program.
Health Savings Accounts have proven to be an effective way to pay for medical costs and proactively save for future medical expenses. Employees invest and save tax-free money in HSAs, which are then used to pay for qualified medical expenses. These have become increasingly popular healthcare plans in the private sector.
Congressman Chris Stewart said:
As a former Air Force Officer, I know first hand about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. When they leave the military and enter the private workface, they shouldn’t been denied opportunities given to non-veteran employees. This bill simply allows veterans to pause TRICARE benefits to participate in the same employer sponsored HSA programs that non-veteran employees are given. It’s important that we honor our veterans by ensuring that they have access to the best healthcare options for themselves and their families.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said:
Veterans in the private sector deserve the same access to quality healthcare options that their civilian co-workers enjoy. As a National Guard soldier who used TRICARE in the past, I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations that exist. TRICARE-eligible veterans who have served their country honorably are denied access to other health plans unless they permanently opt out of TRICARE. This outdated policy does not serve our veterans or their families, who have sacrificed greatly. I’m proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Congressman Stewart, to introduce the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act to provide more freedom and flexibility for our veterans to make healthcare choices that are right for themselves and their families.
Resources
Related posts
- Hatch pushes Veterans Affairs for answers on Veterans’ care
- Washington County Veterans Court, now in session
- Veterans Court may offer vets a second chance to heal
- 2,000 miles for vets, 71-year-old sets sights on scooter ride to Florida
- One hero at a time, benefit for wounded Afghanistan veteran
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Why do Utah Republican politicians photoshop US flags into the background of their photos?