Sponsors (4)
The bill improves continuity and affordability of health coverage for some reservists who become federal employees—supporting readiness—but it also accelerates the end of broader TRS access for others and creates administrative and fiscal burdens that may raise costs or reduce choices for some reservists and taxpayers.
Selected Reserve and National Guard members who work as federal civilian employees (and their families) can retain TRICARE Reserve Select coverage while employed, improving continuity of care and reducing coverage gaps.
Reservists employed as federal civilians gain access to a comprehensive, lower-cost insurance option, lowering out-of-pocket costs for members and their families.
More continuous health coverage for reservists supports military readiness and operational effectiveness by reducing care disruptions across mobilizations.
Selected Reserve and National Guard members will lose access to TRICARE Reserve Select after Jan 1, 2026, reducing their health-plan options.
Members who rely on TRS may face higher out-of-pocket costs or coverage disruption if they are moved off TRS sooner, increasing financial strain on reservists and their families.
Implementing enrollment changes will increase administrative complexity and require DoD and FEHB systems and guidance updates, creating short-term burdens on agencies and government contractors.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Shortens the TRICARE Reserve Select enrollment authority for Selected Reserve and National Guard members eligible for FEHB by moving the expiration from Jan 1, 2030 to Jan 1, 2026.
Official title: To amend title 10, United States Code, to allow members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard holding employment within the Federal Government the choice between military and civilian healthcare plans, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 21, 2025 by Jennifer Kiggans · Last progress May 21, 2025
Allows members of the Selected Reserve and the National Guard who are eligible for Federal Employee Health Benefits to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select for a shorter period by moving the statutory expiration date for that enrollment authority from January 1, 2030 to January 1, 2026. The change reduces how long this enrollment authority remains available, potentially shortening the window during which eligible Reserve and Guard members may choose TRICARE Reserve Select instead of other plans.