H.R. 9413: Military Family Limb Loss Support Act

This bill would direct the Department of Defense to create a new support program for military families affected by limb loss or limb difference, starting in fiscal year 2028.

What the program would do

The program would be designed to supplement existing rehabilitation and support services for eligible people by providing:

• peer mentoring and family support;
• education about care and services related to limb loss;
• help with reintegrating into community life;
• coordination of nonmedical resources and support;
• outreach and awareness activities; and
• other related activities the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

Who could be helped

The bill defines covered beneficiaries as people who have experienced limb loss or limb difference and who are either:

• dependents of active-duty or retired members of the Armed Forces; or
• other people eligible for military health care under federal law, if the Secretary of Defense decides they should be included.

How the program could be run

The Secretary of Defense would be allowed to work with outside organizations through contracts or cooperative agreements. These organizations would need to have experience providing similar services, either online or in person, to people with limb loss or limb difference, including children, service members, and veterans.

Planning and reporting requirements

Within 180 days after the law is enacted, the Defense Department would have to submit an implementation plan to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. That plan would need to explain:

• how organizations would be selected for partnerships;
• the expected cost and staffing needs;
• how existing Defense Department resources could support the program;
• how the program’s effectiveness would be measured; and
• how it would be linked with military health system research to improve care, access, and outcomes.

After the program begins, the department would have to report to Congress one year later, and then once a year for three more years. Those reports would include:

• how many people were served and basic demographic information;
• what services were provided and what partnerships were formed;
• where there are gaps in services or geographic coverage; and
• any recommended changes to law or policy to improve support.

Relevant Companies

None found