SALUTE Act

This bill sets up a test program to offer optional extra cancer insurance for certain service members and their families. It’s meant to help with cancer-related costs that TRICARE doesn’t cover, like some screening, diagnosis, or treatment expenses. The Department of Defense would choose up to two licensed insurance companies to offer these add-on plans, and details and enrollment info would be posted on the TRICARE website. Enrolling is your choice. Premiums are paid by those who sign up, and payroll deduction would be available. The plans are separate from other health coverage and don’t coordinate with it. Federal rules would apply nationwide, but companies still must be licensed in each state.

Key points

• Who is affected: Certain members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
• What changes: Optional supplemental cancer coverage to help pay costs TRICARE doesn’t cover; information and enrollment through the TRICARE site; premiums paid by enrollees; payroll deduction available.
• When: The program must start by September 30, 2026; the Pentagon must report on it three years after it begins; it ends five years after the bill becomes law unless made permanent.