Last week, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 370 with unanimous bipartisan support, aiming to provide National Guard members with access to reimbursement for medical and dental insurance. The bill was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Sam Singer (D-East Lansing).
Under the bill, the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs would be required to establish a Tricare reimbursement program for eligible National Guard members.
The program would reimburse individuals for premiums paid for Tricare Reserve Select or the Tricare Dental Program.
Currently, approximately one-quarter of Michigan National Guard members lack medical or dental insurance. Singer noted that many earn more than they qualify for government assistance but cannot afford private insurance.
Singer said the legislation aims to fill this gap and ensure service members receive necessary medical and dental care.
Supporters believe the bill will help improve recruitment and retention rates, enhance troop readiness, and better protect those who protect the state. The bill is effectively a re-introduction of Senate Bill 574, which Singer introduced in 2023.
The specific timetable and budget for the implementation of the bill have not yet been announced. Relevant departments have stated that detailed implementation rules will be formulated in the future to determine eligibility criteria and reimbursement procedures.