The Senate version of the health reform legislation (H.R. 3590) which passed the Senate on Christmas Eve explicitly states that TRICARE for Life is not affected by the requirement that all individuals purchase insurance with at least a minimum quality of coverage. Although TRICARE also meets the individual responsibility requirement, the Senate bill did not specifically mention TRICARE. Consequently, some questioned whether the coverage provided by TRICARE satisfies the requirements in the bill for individuals to purchase insurance.

Out of an abundance of caution, the House on March 20th unanimously passed H.R. 4887, the TRICARE Affirmation Act, which provides assurances that care provided to those in the military and their families, as well as military retirees under the age of 65 and their families including TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, and Veterans' Health Care all meet the requirements of the health reform legislation that calls for every American to be insured with at least a minimum quality of coverage.  Enrollees in these programs have satisfied the mandate for individuals to purchase qualified insurance.

The Senate is expected to pass the TRICARE Affirmation Act in the coming days so that it will be sent to the President to be signed into law.  The Obama Administration has been clear that the health care reform legislation is not intended to undermine or compromise in any way the programs for the military and veterans.

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