Medically retired service members would have the ability to choose from more health insurance plan options under legislation that U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently introduced.
Ernst’s Health Equity and Access for Returning Troops and Servicemembers (HEARTS) Act would give more options to wounded veterans who return to work.
Currently, medically retired service members enroll in the TRICARE health program upon returning home and become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they’re unable to work. Then, after two years on SSDI, veterans become eligible for Medicare. In order to maintain TRICARE For Life supplement insurance, veterans must enroll in Medicare Part B.
Under the HEARTS Act, wounded veterans who return to work would be able to discontinue Medicare Part B and choose the TRICARE plan that best meets their needs when SSDI payments stop.
“Our veterans deserve every opportunity for a smooth transition back into civilian life,” Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a combat veteran, said. “The HEARTS Act gives medically retired servicemembers returning to work access to the health care benefits they were originally entitled to, and have rightfully earned, after selflessly serving our country.”
Additionally, the HEARTS Act would enable wounded veterans to continue coverage under TRICARE For Life if they choose to opt out of Medicare Part B.