The House Appropriations Committee on Nov. 6 reported Senate Bill 370, a proposal to create a TRICARE premium reimbursement program that would subsidize health and dental coverage for members of the Michigan National Guard.

Chris Young, testifying on behalf of Sen. Sam Singh, told the committee the proposal is intended to help service members who work in sectors that often lack employer-sponsored insurance, such as seasonal service jobs and independent contracting. "Providing health and dental insurance, for those members helps address 3 critical issues facing the department: recruitment, retention, and troop readiness," Young said.

Young cited Maryland’s "Health Care for Heroes" program as a model and said the bill would reduce instances in which guard members delay care until they are called to active duty and thereby limit their ability to serve immediately. He said the program is part of a three-bill package and is implemented as a budget-related measure.

Committee members expressed support. Rep. Farhat thanked authors and partners for pursuing the idea, and Chair Boland said the proposal is consistent with the budget approach the committee has taken. Rep. Snyder moved to report the bill out of committee; the clerk recorded 23 yays, 0 nays and the motion prevailed.

The committee’s action sends SB 370 out of appropriations for further consideration by the full House and other legislative steps. No committee amendments were presented during this hearing.