TRICARE Affirmation Act Passes Congress, and sent to the President

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On Monday, April 12, 2010, The US Senate fast-tracked S 3148 introduced by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), and passed the TRICARE Affirmation Act S 3148 which had been passed 403-0 by the House of Representatives HR 4887 on March 20, 2010. The bill amends the IRS code to explicitly state that TRICARE programs are defined under the law as "minimal essential health care coverage" as required by the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly called the health care reform act. This ensures that service members and their families will not need to purchase additional coverage or pay any penalty fees to meet the health insurance requirements under the new law. House committee staff indicated that AUSN was instrumental in bringing about this change with our 'protect' TRICARE writing campaign. Senator Webb stated he appreciated association' s active engagement and support of the troops and their families on this matter in recent months and weeks. There where months of confusion surrounding military health care programs, however with the passage of these two bills and the President's pending signing of the bill, we can now tell our service members and their families today that their health care is secure. Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO-4th) and Senator Webb (D-VA) along with many congressional members from both parties - moved quickly to 'correct' a technical error, as stated by several US Senators. The TRICARE system for our service members and their families is now protected. AUSN will continue to monitor the many changes that will occur with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that can emerge. Our pledge to service members, veterans, and their families is to ensure that military and veteran health care is protected, maintained, and properly funded for the future. This bill achieves what thousands of military members and veterans where seeking when this debate first appeared and was left out originally. AUSN along with many friends of the Navy and the military thanks Congress for recognizing the sacrifice and significance of military service.