The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act, introduced by Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) is one step closer to becoming law, receiving approval by the House Ways and Means Committee during a committee Mark Up.
This bill, H.R. 5458, is a bipartisan, common sense piece of legislation that allows veterans to contribute to Health Savings Accounts if they so choose.
Health Savings Accounts have proven to be an effective way to pay for medical costs and proactively save for future medical expenses. These have become increasingly popular healthcare plans in the private sector. But under current federal law, it is illegal for a TRICARE-eligible veteran to participate in an HSA program. The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act simply gives veterans the choice to voluntarily pause their TRICARE benefits in order to participate in an HSA program.
“I would like to thank the House Ways and Means Committee for approving this legislation, making it one step closer to being law,” Congressman Stewart said. “As a former Air Force Officer, I know first hand about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. When they leave the military and enter the private workforce, they shouldn’t be denied opportunities given to non-veteran employees. It’s important that we honor our veterans by ensuring that they have access to the best healthcare options for themselves and their families.”
“As a Soldier and a veteran, I have seen firsthand the tremendous sacrifice our veterans and their families make in service to our country,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02). That service should never have a limiting effect on a veteran’s healthcare options. Yet right now, veterans have to opt out of TRICARE permanently to access other health care options. This legislation rightly gives our veterans the ability to choose the best healthcare options for themselves and their families.”
