Pelosi Statement on TRICARE Affirmation Act

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today as Congress prepares to send H.R. 4887, TRICARE Affirmation Act to the President for his signature into law:

"Our men and women in uniform and their families deserve the best care and support our country can offer.

"The health insurance reform legislation enacted last month fully protects the health care benefits of our active duty military, military retirees, and their families – with these benefits fully meeting the bill’s minimum requirements for individual health insurance. None of its provisions would undermine or affect the excellent health coverage these brave men and women and their families already receive.

"In an abundance of caution, the Congress has passed the TRICARE Affirmation Act, explicitly stating that the health care benefits provided by the Department of Defense to our men and women in uniform and military retirees meet the requirements for individual health insurance in the legislation. And it ensures that no member of our military will be required to purchase coverage beyond what they currently have.

"By clearly reiterating these protections, the TRICARE Affirmation Act received the strong support of the Military Officers Association of America and veterans’ service organizations. It reflects our dedication to those in uniform, and we look forward to the President signing it into law."