TRICARE PREMIUM REIMB. PROG.; CREATE S.B. 370:
SUMMARY OF DISCHARGED BILL
Senate Bill 370 (as discharged)
Committee: Veterans and Military Affairs (discharged)
TRICARE PREMIUM REIMB. PROG.; CREATE S.B. 370:
SUMMARY OF DISCHARGED BILL
Senate Bill 370 (as discharged)
Committee: Veterans and Military Affairs (discharged)
CONTENT
The bill would enact a new law to require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and operate a Tricare premium reimbursement program. The DMVA would have to award grants under the program to eligible recipients who met the reimbursement application requirements for a premium paid for individual coverage through the Tricare Reserve Select Program or individual coverage under the Tricare Dental Program.1
"Eligible recipient" would mean a member of the Michigan National Guard who is eligible for coverage under the Tricare Reserve Select Program or the Tricare Dental Program and meets any other eligibility criteria established by the DMVA. "Tricare reserve select program" would mean a voluntary health insurance plan for eligible recipients who are not on active duty and are not covered by a traditional assistance management program, an existing health insurance program through an employer, or a private market plan. "Tricare dental program" would mean a voluntary health insurance plan for eligible recipients who are not on active duty and are not covered by a traditional assistance management program, an existing health insurance program through an employe, or a private market plan.
The bill would require an eligible recipient to apply for reimbursement under the program by using a DMVA-determined form that was available on the DMVA's website. The bill also would allow the DMVA to promulgate rules to implement the bill's provisions.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
(This section does not provide a comprehensive account of previous legislative efforts on this subject matter.)
The bill is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 574 from the 2023-2024 Legislative Session.
Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would require an estimated annual expenditure by the DMVA of approximately $1.64 million. These costs would be covered by the proposed Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund (currently known as the Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Fund). This Fund, along with boilerplate language authorizing expenditures for the Tri-Care program, is appropriated at an amount of $11.2 million General Fund/General Purpose within Article 12 of Public Act 22 of 2025, Fiscal Year 2025-26 appropriations for the DMVA.
Date Completed: 10-8-25 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker
floor\sb370 Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] Generally, Tricare is a Federal health program for military members and retirees and their families. The Tricare Reserve Select Program is a premium-based plan available for qualified military reserve members, like members of the Michigan National Guard. Similarly, the Tricare Dental Program is a voluntary dental plan available for qualified National Guard members.