HR3547-119

What This Bill Does

The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025 addresses the interaction between Federal Employees Health Benefits and TRICARE Reserve Select. Findings state that many Reserve Component and National Guard members also work for the federal government in civilian jobs; nearly all Selected Reserve and National Guard members and their families are otherwise entitled to purchase TRICARE Reserve Select; but FEHB eligibility prevents them from enrolling in TRS. The bill amends title 10 section 1076d(a)(2) by replacing the January 1, 2030 expiration date with January 1, 2026. The practical effect is to let FEHB-eligible members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard buy TRICARE Reserve Select four years earlier, supporting continuity of care across mobilization cycles and military readiness.

Who Benefits and How

Selected Reserve members with federal civilian jobs benefit because they can buy TRICARE Reserve Select starting January 1, 2026. National Guard members with FEHB eligibility benefit from earlier access to TRICARE Reserve Select. Military families benefit from continuity of care across mobilization cycles. Reserve Component readiness benefits if members can access lower-cost comprehensive coverage.

Who Bears the Burden and How

TRICARE administrators must handle earlier eligibility for FEHB-eligible reserve and Guard members. FEHB plans may lose some enrollment from reserve component federal employees who switch coverage. Defense health budget staff must absorb earlier TRICARE Reserve Select participation. Federal taxpayers bear costs if earlier TRS eligibility increases federal health spending.

Key Provisions

• Amends title 10 section 1076d(a)(2).
• Moves the relevant TRICARE Reserve Select date from January 1, 2030, to January 1, 2026.
• Extends earlier TRICARE Reserve Select access to FEHB-eligible Selected Reserve and National Guard members.
• Provides continuity-of-care support through mobilization cycles.