The proposed bill aims to establish the West Virginia National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program within the Adjutant General's department, officially titled the "West Virginia National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act." It defines "eligible recipient" as a member of the West Virginia National Guard who qualifies for TRICARE reserve select or TRICARE dental program coverage and complies with the reimbursement requirements set by the Adjutant General. The bill authorizes the Adjutant General to award premium reimbursement grants for individual coverage under the TRICARE reserve select program or the TRICARE dental program upon application by eligible recipients.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if any portion of the premiums is reimbursed by the federal government, that portion will no longer be eligible for reimbursement under the state program. The Adjutant General is tasked with adopting and publishing policies and guidelines to implement the program, while the funding for the program will depend on legislative appropriation. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1B-15
Committee Substitute: 15-1B-15