H.R. 1824: Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act

This bill, known as the Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act, proposes changes to the way members of the National Guard are compensated and provided healthcare if they become disabled while performing State active duty. The key points of the bill include the following:

Eligibility for Retirement Benefits

Members of the National Guard who incur disabilities while performing State active duty will be eligible for retirement benefits. The bill amends existing laws to include:

• Health care benefits for those disabled during State active duty, alongside existing provisions for active duty and inactive-duty training.
• Any retirement pay for disabilities incurred during State active duty may be reduced if the member receives federal or state benefits for the same disability.

Health Care Eligibility

The bill establishes that National Guard members who incur disabilities while on State active duty can receive health care services from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This includes:

• Hospital care and medical services to address disabilities and related health conditions.
• Limitations on provided care, which will depend on available funding appropriated by Congress for this purpose.
• Requirements for reimbursement for medical services, stipulating that members must first exhaust all other available resources or claims against third parties before benefiting from this provision.

Definitions and Amendments

The bill includes definitions and clarifications regarding the term "State active duty" as it applies to the services of the National Guard. Additionally, it amends legislative texts to incorporate these new provisions within the relevant sections of U.S. codes related to military and veterans’ affairs.

Summary of Changes

• Expands eligibility for retirement and health care for National Guard members injured while on State active duty.
• Establishes processes for health care and defines how benefits may be reduced if duplicate benefits are received.
• Requires that those benefiting from federally funded health care must first seek other payment sources.

Relevant Companies

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