Cole’s bill expands healthcare benefits for families of active-duty military

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on March 9 sponsored bipartisan legislation to expand benefits available under the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) program for families of active-duty U.S. military service members.

“Since military service can mean frequent moves, we must ensure the same quality of healthcare and services is maintained and not disrupted due to a change in their location,” Rep. Cole said on Monday. “This legislation will make significant improvements in the level of services provided to military children and their families.”

Rep. Cole introduced the TRICARE ECHO Improvement Act, H.R. 6148, with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) to extend benefits for eligible dependents of active military, including by increasing hours of covered respite care; codifying both new regulations on respite care eligibility and existing coverage of durable equipment; and providing coverage of residence and vehicle adaptations, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Cole’s office.

H.R. 6148 also would ensure the ECHO program remains responsive to military families by requiring a yearly assessment of utilization rates for services, gaps in covered services, and the access barriers encountered by military families, according to the summary.

“Perhaps the most selfless Americans in our communities are those who answered the call to serve and defend our nation in the military, along with their families who support them and make daily sacrifices of their own,” said Rep. Cole. “Certainly, these selfless individuals and families deserve the very best and most consistent care we can give them.”

H.R. 6148 has garnered the support of the Tricare for Kids Coalition, the Children’s Hospital Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the National Military Family Association, and is now under consideration by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.