Washington, DC - Congressman John Dingell (D-MI15) applauded the Senate passage last night of H.R. 4877, the TRICARE Affirmation Act, legislation that ensures military health benefits earned through service, including TRICARE, are protected under the new health insurance reform law that requires individuals to have  “minimum essential coverage.” 

“Although it is clear to me and to many others, including the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, and the acting director of the TRICARE program, Charles L. Rice, that military health benefits meet the responsibility requirement under the health insurance reform law, the TRICARE Affirmation Act leaves no room for doubt.” said Congressman Dingell. 

Specifically, the legislation provides reaffirmation that TRICARE and nonappropriated fund (NAF) health plans meet all of the health care requirements for individual health insurance by changing the tax code to state it in law.  Military health benefits cover active-duty servicemembers, military retirees, and their family members.  The House passed H.R. 4877 on March 20, 2010 by a vote of 403-0.  The Senate passed H.R. 4877 by unanimous consent. 

Said Congressman Dingell, “As a veteran of World War II, a tireless advocate of providing health care to all Americans, and strong supporter of our brave servicemembers and their families, I know how important it is to provide quality health insurance to those who sacrifice so much for our nation.  I am pleased the Senate quickly took up the TRICARE Affirmation Act upon returning from the Easter recess and that President Obama can now sign it into law.”

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