Bill would give some survivors lifetime care

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Bill would give some survivors lifetime care
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Feb 10, 2009 14:25:40 EST

Spouses of service members killed in combat would receive free military health care for life under a bill introduced Monday by Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.

The chief effect of the legislation would be to prevent surviving spouses from being charged the same as retirees for using Tricare health benefit beginning three years after a service member’s death, which is the case under current law.

The bill, HR 917, is the first measure introduced by Guthrie, an Army veteran who said he wants to use his military experience to help veterans and families.

“It is our responsibility to care for the widows and children of those who have died in the line of duty,” Guthrie said in a statement. “These families have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and they deserve the best care we can provide.”

Guthrie, a 1987 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who served in the 101st Airborne Division, said the “current way health care benefits are provided to the families of service members killed in combat is burdensome and costly.”


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/02/military_survivors_healthcare_021009w/%2e