The U.S. Senate will soon take up a bill aimed at protecting health care benefits for members of the armed forces who are released from active duty.[@@]
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, H.R. 2046, would entitle servicemembers released from active duty to reinstatement without any premium increase of health insurance coverage that was in effect the day before service began.
The proposed amendment to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act would permit a health insurer to increase a servicemember's premium if there were a general increase for similarly covered individuals during the period between the termination and reinstatement.
The House approved the bill Monday by a voice vote. Rep. Steve Buyer, R.-Ind., introduced the bill in early May with 30 sponsors.
Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D.., echoed the sentiments of many of her fellow lawmakers in asserting that those fighting battles abroad on behalf of the United States should not be short-changed at home.
