Sen. White's Military Medical Benefits Bill Approved

Senate Bill 869 headed to Governor Rendell for enactment into law

A measure introduced by Senator Don White, R-41st District, extending the coverage that full-time students called to active military duty can receive under their parents' medical insurance plans received final legislative approval last week.

Senate Bill 869 now goes to Governor Ed Rendell for his signature and enactment into law.

"I am very pleased that the General Assembly approved this important piece of legislation," said Senator White, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "This bill will 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 will 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."