Bill would drop premiums and employer rule for military dependents' health plan

What does this do?

S 2448 makes two changes to TRICARE Young Adult, the program letting adult children of military members stay on family coverage. It removes the rule that cuts off eligibility when a young adult is offered employer-based insurance, even if they do not enroll in it. It also eliminates the separate monthly premium that enrolled young adults currently pay on top of what their military parent already pays.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects adult children of active duty service members, National Guard members, and military retirees between the ages of 21 and 26. Approximately 600,000 to 700,000 young adults in military families fall within that age range.

Why does it matter?

Removing the employer-offer restriction would extend eligibility to young adults who currently lose access simply by being offered a job-based plan. Eliminating the premium would shift the cost of that coverage from enrolled young adults to the Department of Defense.

What does it cost, and who pays?

The Department of Defense would absorb the cost of coverage that eligible young adults currently pay through their own monthly premiums.

Where does it stand?