Sen. White's Military Medical Benefits Bill Approved

Senate Bill 869 would extend coverage for students called to duty

Today the Senate approved a measure introduced by Senator Don White, R-41st District, extending the coverage that full-time students called to active military duty, as certified by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, can receive under their parents' medical insurance plans.

Senate Bill 869 is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"Today, I want to again ensure our servicemen and women and their families that we are thinking of them and stand solidly behind them. It is important that our men and women in uniform know that they have our deepest gratitude and appreciation. However, it is equally important for them to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them everyday," said Senator White, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "This legislation is intended to help Pennsylvania's young people, who put aside their classroom studies in order to answer the call of duty."

Currently, most health insurance policies allow parents to provide coverage for their children until age 23 as long as they are full-time students. However, some members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Air Guard are being called out of the classroom and into active duty for assignments that can last for a year or longer. Many of these young people will be unable to complete their studies before reaching the age of 23.

"My legislation would require insurance companies to permit these families to let health coverage lapse while the young person is on active duty and have it resume when the student returns to school, with an extension in coverage equal to that of the term of duty," Senator White said.

Senator White said his bill provides a measure of fairness for those young people who are serving the Commonwealth and the nation.

"Families should not be penalized for military service and my bill would ensure that students can complete their studies without the added worry of losing their medical coverage," Senator White said. "This legislation reaffirms our long-standing and heartfelt commitment to our military families."