I've proudly served in the Air National Guard for 24 years, dedicating a significant portion of my life to protecting our nation. Throughout this time, I've relied on Tricare Reserve Select for health insurance, benefiting from its discounted rate. At present, I pay $286.66 monthly for family coverage, a manageable amount that allows my family to have access to quality healthcare. However, the prospect of retirement presents me with a financial dilemma. Upon retirement, the cost of maintaining the same level of health insurance coverage skyrockets to nearly $1,600 a month. This sudden and substantial increase is unaffordable for many individuals like myself who wish to retire after decades of service.

National Guard members, like all service members, commit years of their lives to ensure the safety and security of our country. We are expected to be ever-ready, to serve at a moment’s notice, and to make sacrifices that often take us away from our families. While serving, we’re afforded the benefit of discounted healthcare premiums, a much-needed support that acknowledges the unique challenges of military life. However, upon retirement, this benefit is stripped away, leaving many to face overwhelming costs just to maintain the same standards of care.

It's time to recognize the lifelong contributions of National Guard members by ensuring they can maintain access to affordable healthcare upon retirement. The sudden spike in health insurance premiums is not only unfair but incompatible with the nature of our service. Our service doesn't end the day we retire; many of us carry physical, emotional, and professional ties to our duty that continue for the rest of our lives.

To that end, we are calling for legislation that allows retired National Guard members to retain their Tricare at the current discounted rates they receive during active service. This change would reflect a fair acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifices made by those who protect our nation.

Congress and military policymakers have the power to correct this imbalance. By allowing retired National Guard members continued access to discounted Tricare rates, we are honoring their service and ensuring they and their families continue to receive essential healthcare coverage.

We urge lawmakers to act swiftly in addressing this disparity and amending the current policies that penalize our retired service members. With your support, we can bring about meaningful change for those who have greatly served our nation.

Sign this petition to help retired National Guard members keep affordable health insurance and maintain the benefits they rightfully deserve.