U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) recently sponsored a bipartisan bill to ensure that National Guardsmen who are disabled while serving on state active duty may access medical care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Defense.
“It’s our duty as a nation to provide high quality health and disability benefits to those who put their lives on the line to assist the citizens of this country, whether that’s on an overseas battlefield or American soil,” Rep. Bice said.
The Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act, H.R. 4247, which Rep. Bice introduced on June 30 with cosponsors including U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), would amend the U.S. Code to ensure these servicemembers no longer have to rely on state workers’ compensation plans, which are often inferior to traditional military health and disability benefits, according to the congresswoman’s office.
Rep. Bice became aware that National Guardsmen were not covered by federal benefits while on state active duty following a Feb. 15 accident in Vinita, Okla., that injured Oklahoma National Guard Specialist Cody Casey, who was assisting stranded motorists during a winter storm when his Humvee was struck by a semi, according to her office.
“In the instance of Spc. Casey, the state is covering his medical expenses for now, but I’m also concerned about coverage for Spc. Casey’s long-term care,” Rep. Bice said. “Many of our National Guardsmen have not been as lucky.”
Several national military associations have endorsed H.R. 4247, including the National Guard Association of the United States, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, and the Reserve Officers Association, among others.
“I applaud Rep. Bice for introducing this legislation to support heroes like Specialist Cody Casey who have been injured serving their communities,” said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.