Kiggans Fights to Expand TRICARE Options for Reservists in Federal Workforce

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025 alongside Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02). This bipartisan bill eliminates outdated restrictions that currently prevent Reservists and National Guardsmen who are also federal employees from enrolling in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) health insurance for themselves and their families.

Today, over 113,000 members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard also work as federal employees—including 67,000 dual-status technicians barred from enrolling in TRS due to their eligibility for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP). Although the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act lifted this restriction starting in 2030, thousands remain without access to the more affordable TRS option. This bill moves that date up to 2026, offering immediate relief and real savings—roughly $400 per month for a typical family of four.

“I’ve made it my mission since arriving in Congress to improve the lives of our men and women in uniform—especially when it comes to healthcare access,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Reservists and National Guardsmen play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of our Armed Forces, and they should be compensated with the same benefits as their counterparts in the federal government. The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act is a commonsense fix that honors their commitment, provides healthcare choice, and supports the readiness of our force.”

“I’m fighting in Congress to make life better for hardworking people, and our women and men in uniform are among America’s hardest working people. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense fix that will do a lot for the common good by expanding healthcare access and choice for National Guardsmen and Reservists who play a critical role in the security of our state and our nation,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I’m proud to be working with Congresswoman Kiggans to expand access to affordable healthcare and strengthen our military readiness.”

You can find the full text of this bill here.

You can find a one pager on this bill here.

Background:

• Nearly all members of the Selected Reserve and Guard are entitled to purchase TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) as a service-provided benefit. 
• Current federal law prohibits Guardsmen and Reservists who are also eligible for, or enrolled in, the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP), from participating in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS).
• Over 113,000 eligible Selected Reserve and National Guard members are Federal employees.
• TRS is a more affordable option for members of the Selected Reserve/National Guard, and therefore an important recruitment and retention tool.

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Allow Reservists and Guardsmen who are also federal employees to purchase TRS insurance.
• Opens TRS enrollment for federal employees who are also Reservists or Guardsmen in 2026.  Without this bill, federal employees would be ineligible to purchase insurance until 2030.

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