H.R.3547 - Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3547, the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code. The bill seeks to provide members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard, who are also federal government employees, with the option to choose between military and civilian healthcare plans.
Currently, eligibility for Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) often prohibits these individuals from enrolling in Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) plans. The bill intends to remove this prohibition, allowing them to enroll in TRS plans, and modifies the expiration date in Section 1076d(a)(2) of Title 10 to reflect this change, moving the date from January 1, 2030, to January 1, 2026.
The bill emphasizes that providing comprehensive, low-cost health insurance options to members of the Armed Forces increases readiness and lethality.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to grant members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard employed by the federal government the freedom to choose between military healthcare (TRICARE Reserve Select) and civilian healthcare (Federal Employee Health Benefits). This would give them more control over their healthcare options.
This change could lead to increased enrollment in TRICARE Reserve Select plans among eligible individuals. It could also potentially impact the costs and administration of both the TRICARE and FEHB programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Healthcare Choice: Members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard would have the option to choose the healthcare plan that best suits their needs.
- Continuity of Care: Removing the prohibition allows for consistent healthcare coverage throughout mobilization cycles.
- Improved Readiness: Providing comprehensive, low-cost health insurance options can improve the overall health and readiness of the Armed Forces.
- Potential Cost Savings: Depending on individual circumstances, some members may find TRICARE Reserve Select to be more affordable than FEHB.
- Enhanced Morale: Offering more healthcare options can boost morale among service members and federal employees.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Increased Costs to TRICARE: Increased enrollment in TRICARE Reserve Select could lead to higher costs for the military healthcare system.
- Administrative Complexity: Managing dual eligibility and enrollment options may create administrative challenges.
- Possible Adverse Selection: If healthier members opt for FEHB and less healthy members choose TRICARE, it could destabilize the risk pools of either program.
- Unintended Consequences: Shifting enrollment patterns could have unforeseen impacts on the FEHB program and its beneficiaries.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses healthcare options for a specific subset of service members (those who are also federal employees), potentially creating disparities with other service members.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). By aiming to improve the health and readiness of members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard, the bill supports national security interests.
Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). Providing healthcare benefits to service members falls under this power. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the equal protection principles (Amendments V and XIV) could be invoked if the bill creates undue disparities in healthcare access or benefits between different groups of service members.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).