H.R.3148 - Supporting America’s Leaders Undergoing Tough Expenses Act; SALUTE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3148, the SALUTE Act, directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program providing supplemental insurance coverage for certain members of the Armed Forces and their dependents related to cancer. The program aims to assist with noncovered expenses through fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plans. The bill outlines the agreement process with insurance companies, information dissemination, enrollment procedures, and reporting requirements.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in increased access to supplemental insurance for cancer-related expenses for eligible military personnel and their families. This pilot program could lead to a permanent expansion of benefits if deemed successful. The program's success hinges on the negotiated terms with insurance companies and the enrollment rates of eligible individuals.
Potential Benefits
- Provides additional financial support for military families facing cancer.
- Offers a fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan to cover noncovered expenses.
- Could lead to improved health outcomes for military personnel and their dependents.
- The pilot program will be evaluated, potentially leading to a permanent benefit.
- Increases awareness of available resources through the TRICARE online portal.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program's success depends on the negotiated terms with insurance companies, which may limit coverage or increase costs.
- Enrollment is voluntary, potentially leading to low participation rates.
- The pilot program has a sunset clause, creating uncertainty about long-term benefits.
- The bill does not authorize appropriations to subsidize the cost of the insurance plans, potentially making it unaffordable for some.
- The preemption clause could impact state laws related to insurance, though it protects state licensing and solvency regulations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as it seeks to support the health and well-being of members of the Armed Forces and their families. Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). Providing healthcare benefits, including supplemental insurance, falls under this power. There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or states' rights, as the bill includes provisions to respect state licensing and solvency regulations for insurance companies.
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).