Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act, a bipartisan effort to remove cost-sharing barriers that prevent Selected Reserve (SELRES) personnel from accessing mental health care under TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS).
“As a nation that relies so heavily on the courage and dedication of our Reserve and National Guard servicemembers, it’s unacceptable that so many face obstacles in accessing essential mental health care,” said Senator Fetterman. “This bill is about removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring that those who serve our country can get the support they need without worrying about the cost. Mental health care is health care—it should be non-negotiable.”
“Far too many Reserve and National Guard service members avoid seeking mental health care due to rising premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs not covered under TRICARE Reserve Select,” said Senator Cornyn. “This bill aims to ease those financial burdens by eliminating cost-sharing requirements, encouraging our service members to seek the accessible, affordable coverage they deserve.”
Despite the growing demands placed upon SELRES personnel, at least 130,000 Reserve and National Guard servicemembers lack consistent health insurance. While TRICARE Reserve Select offers subsidized health care plans, many eligible servicemembers decline coverage due to expensive monthly premiums and cost-shares for medical visits.
The need for accessible mental health care is evident:
- Increased Utilization: TRICARE Reserve Select users have utilized more direct care mental health visits each year for the past three years.
- Alarming Suicide Rates: The average suicide rate for veterans is 150% higher than that of the general population. Among women veterans, it’s 250% higher.
- LGBTQ+ Veterans at Risk: LGBTQ+ veterans attempt suicide at a rate15 times higher than veterans overall.
The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act is a cost-effective solution to this problem. The Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Defense budget allocates over $60 billion for military health system funding. Implementing zero cost-share mental health care under TRS would cost less than 0.02% of the health system budget for FY25. Additionally, providing accessible, affordable health care enhances retention, readiness, and recruitment within our military forces.
The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act has been endorsed by several key military organizations, including the National Guard Association of the United States, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Modern Military Association of America, and Blue Star Families.
“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to uphold our nation’s promise, to care for veterans, servicemembers and their families,” said Major General Mark Schindler of Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Through their service, National Guard members and Reservists should have access to affordable behavioral health programs. This legislation will make a difference for thousands of Pennsylvania men and women who serve our country and commonwealth.”
“As the nation increasingly calls on the National Guard and Reserves, we must ensure their needs, including mental health, are met,” said retired Major General Francis M. McGinn, President of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS). “The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act does that by removing cost-sharing burdens for services covered under TRICARE Reserve Select. We commend Senator Fetterman for this legislation. It will help ensure that all who have volunteered to defend our nation are ready when called and whole when they return home.”
“Ensuring SELRES personnel have access to mental health care is a key factor for the readiness and retention of our Reserve forces. Service Women’s Action Network applauds the investment in taking care of our troops, especially in light of the disproportionately high suicide rates among veteran women,” said Elisa Cardnell, President and CEO of Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN).
“Access to mental and behavioral healthcare is essential for the readiness of our nation’s reserve force,” said Matthew Schwartzman, Legislation and Military Policy Director at the Reserve Organization of America (ROA). “Regrettably, recent initiatives designed to support our service members and their families have overlooked the distinct needs of those in the Reserve and National Guard. The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act takes a crucial step in addressing this gap by eliminating cost-sharing for mental healthcare for TRICARE Reserve Select enrollees. We extend our gratitude to Senator Fetterman for championing this legislation and urge Congress to promptly enact it into law.”
“The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act is a crucial step toward ensuring equitable access to mental health services for Selected Reserve personnel. By eliminating cost-sharing burdens for services covered under TRICARE Reserve Select, this legislation addresses a significant barrier that has disproportionately impacted LGBTQ+ individuals, who are at higher risk for mental health challenges due to discrimination, stigma, and minority stress. Studies consistently demonstrate the urgent needs for such measures as LGBTQ+ service members and veterans are significantly less likely to seek necessary mental health services due to financial constraints,” said Rachel Branaman, Executive Director of the Modern Military Association of America.
“The definition of service for our organization belongs to the Soldiers, Airmen, and the families. We exist to be their advocate. Ensuring that our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen have the best benefits, equipment, and training only works when we take care of the warrior first. Providing for better access to mental health care and ensuring that members of the National Guard are able to stay strong mentally and emotionally is one of the most important steps to ensuring that the National Guard remains the most capable defender of freedom,” said Jeff Frisby, Executive Director of The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). “Sen. Fetterman’s work on the Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act is a true example of taking care of the force. This bill will ensure that when our reserve component members need access to health care, they are able to get it. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States is thankful for the efforts of this bill to make sure the reserve component knows their personal well-being is important and they are being taken care of.”
“Our reservists deserve access to mental health care without financial barriers. The Affordable Mental Health Care for Selected Reserve Act is a critical step in ensuring that those who serve our nation can get the support they need, without hesitation,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families.
Read the full bill text here.
