CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN CONTINUES FIGHT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES, INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN “TRICARE TRANSITION TRANSPARENCY ACT” TO STOP SURPRISE CHANGES IN COVERAGE

Congressman Pat Ryan Continues Fight for Military Families, Introduces Bipartisan “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act” to Stop Surprise Changes in Coverage 

Bipartisan legislation will require the Department of Defense to give TRICARE beneficiaries clear, repeated notices when their coverage is about to change; ensures families have time to plan and budget 

The “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act” follows the re-introduction of Ryan’s “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act,” which would extend TRICARE coverage and save an estimated 367,000 American military families as much as $8,724 per year in health care costs

WASHINGTON, DC  –  Congressman Pat Ryan – an Iraq War veteran, member of the House Armed Services Committee, and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress – recently introduced the bipartisan “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act,” to ensure military families are given adequate, advanced information before any changes to their coverage go into effect.  If passed, it will ensure that the rug cannot be ripped out from under military families with regard to their health care, and that they have the time and information they need to plan, budget, and make informed decisions. 

The “TRICARE Transparency Act” follows Ryan’s recent re-introduction of the bipartisan “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act,” landmark legislation which also aims to fix inequities in health care by extending TRICARE eligibility to 26 year olds and save an estimated 367,000 American military families as much as $8,724 per year in health care costs. 

“Military families have sacrificed so much for this country – it’s absolutely unacceptable that their coverage can be ripped away without notice. It’s entirely un- American,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “This bipartisan legislation will provide critical transparency to military families, and keep the rug from getting ripped out from under them. Especially amid rising health care costs in the Hudson Valley and nationwide, we have to be all-hands-on-deck to deliver  much-needed relief to military families across the country. Our military families have stepped up and sacrificed for us, now we need to do right by them.”

Congressman Ryan introduced the “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act” alongside Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA). If passed, the bill would require the Department of Defense to give TRICARE beneficiaries clear, repeated notices when their coverage is about to change—ensuring families have time to plan, budget, and make informed choices. 

At present, military families and retirees face complex healthcare transitions that can cause confusion and unexpected costs. Under current rules, dependent children lose regular TRICARE eligibility at age 21 (or 23 if enrolled in school). Families may purchase TRICARE Young Adult coverage until age 26, but premiums exceed $570/month for TYA Prime and $300/month for TYA Select. At age 65, beneficiaries must enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain TRICARE for Life coverage—a requirement many retirees learn about too late.

These transitions often come with little advance notice, leading to missed enrollment windows, coverage gaps, and higher out-of-pocket expenses. This bill ensures beneficiaries receive timely, repeated notifications and clear guidance, allowing them to plan ahead, avoid coverage gaps, and manage costs.

The “TRICARE Transition Transparency Act” will: 

• Require DoD to notify TRICARE beneficiaries one year, 180 days, and 30 days before a coverage change takes effect.
• Apply to any TRICARE coverage transition requirement, including age-based changes like:
  • Switching from regular TRICARE to TRICARE Young Adult (TYA) at age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student).
  • Transitioning to TRICARE for Life at age 65.
• Mandate that notices be delivered electronically and supported by an outreach campaign through TRICARE’s website, social media, and family readiness groups.
• Require an annual report to Congress with metrics on outreach effectiveness and recommendations for improvement.

This bill builds on Ryan’s record of delivering for military families. His recently re-introduced bipartisan “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act” would extend TRICARE coverage and save an estimated 367,000 American military families as much as $8,724 per year in health care costs.

Under current law, TRICARE dependents may only remain on their parents’ policy until they are 21 years old. If they are enrolled as a full-time student in an approved institution and if their parent pays more than half of their financial support, the dependent may remain on their parents’ policy until they turn 23 years old or are out of school, whichever comes first. 

Dependents have the option to enroll in the TRICARE Young Adult program, and nearly 33,000 military families choose to do so. However, they must spend between $337 and $727 per month to cover the full cost of the program via a separate monthly premium, in a time when costs are rising and families across the country are feeling a strain on their wallets.  

Congressman Ryan’s legislation would ensure equity for military families by bringing eligibility for young adult dependents in line with that offered by private insurance plans. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), children up to the age of 26 can remain on their parents’ health insurance plans with no additional out of pocket cost. 

Congressman Ryan first introduced the “Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act” in the 118th Congress. The bill is cosponsored by more than 35 Members of Congress from both parties. The bill is also endorsed by dozens of national organizations who support military families, including the VFW and the National Military Family Association.

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