LATTA INTRODUCES MILITARY HEALTHCARE BILL

Monday June 9, 2008

Washington, DC -- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced H.R. 6185, the TRICARE Continuity of Coverage for National Guard and Reserve Families Act of 2008, while joined by multiple military Veterans organizations on Capitol hill last week.

H.R. 6185 allows retired members of National Guard and reserve units with 20 or more years of faithful and honorable service to purchase healthcare that was available to them during their time in active service or after they reach 60 years of age.  Currently, members who have retired but are not yet 60 years of age are not eligible for TRICARE, and are referred to as being in the “gray area.”  Right now there are approximately 220,000 retirees that fall within in the “gray area” and an additional 12,100 service members retiring and entering this status each year. 

“H.R. 6185 is an important piece of legislation and I am proud to introduce it.  This bill addresses a lack of continuity in healthcare coverage for members of our military who have served our country by providing access to the healthcare they deserve.  As more of our National Guard troops are called to duty overseas, even after retirement, they should not suffer a gap in healthcare coverage,” Latta said during the press conference.

“Ever since my tenure in the Ohio General Assembly, I have worked to ensure the Ohio National Guard has the best facilities and college benefits possible so they can perform their mission.  As a member of Congress, I am committed to continuing my work for all National Guard members and their families,” Latta added.

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Congressman Robert Latta was elected in a special election in 2007 to serve the Ohio 5th District.  He is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  Congressman Latta previously served as a member of the Ohio General Assembly and Wood County Commissioner.