BSF Backs Lawmakers' Push to Extend TRICARE Coverage to Dependents Under 26
Published on July 31, 2025
Blue Star Families endorses the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act, which was reintroduced last week to extend health care coverage to TRICARE beneficiaries who have adult children younger than 26 years old. This raises the age from 21 or 23 if the child is a full-time student who receives more than half of their financial support from their parents.
The aim of this legislation is to align TRICARE with the Affordable Care Act, which also allows civilians to keep family members on their healthcare coverage until age 26.
This legislation aims to save an estimated 350,000 military families approximately $8,724 per year in healthcare costs. It will also ensure that more young adults have health coverage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services report that young adults are the most uninsured age group, with many working part-time or entry-level jobs that don’t offer health benefits.