Provides for reimbursement for certain insurance premiums for certain members of the naval militia, New York air, army national guard, and New York guard.
Impact
If enacted, this legislation will establish a new financial safety net for military personnel by ensuring that their health insurance costs are partially covered while they fulfill their service commitments. This change could alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by service members who may otherwise need to manage both their service duties and the costs of health insurance. Furthermore, the state will not assume responsibility for procuring these insurance policies but will facilitate reimbursement, thus enabling service members to maintain their health coverage without undue financial strain.
Summary
S05210, introduced in the New York Senate, proposes reimbursement for health insurance premiums for members of the naval militia, New York air, army national guard, and New York guard when they are activated. Specifically, the bill stipulates that these members will be reimbursed for premiums associated with individual or group health insurance policies, including TRICARE, during the period they are called to serve. The reimbursement amount is set at one-thirtieth of the total monthly premium for each day of service rendered.
Contention
While the bill may garner support from military advocacy groups and service members, there are potential points of contention. Critics may argue about the financial implications for the state budget regarding the reimbursement provisions and whether it adequately addresses the needs of service members who may decline health insurance. Additionally, the necessity for regulations and rules as established under this bill could lead to ongoing administrative discussions about its implementation and the transparency of the reimbursement process.
Includes New York guard members to the recruitment incentive and retention program for members of the New York state organized militia; permits tuition benefits for post-graduate study.
Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.
Provides for a preference for activated members of the New York army national guard or the New York air national guard serving during declared state disaster emergencies for competitive examinations for original appointment or promotion.
Establishes a weekend child day care assistance program to provide for child day care at a child care provider for New York army and air national guard members on drill weekends.
Requires DMA to partner with National Guard Association of New Jersey to offer State-sponsored life insurance for members of New Jersey National Guard.
Includes the Space Force as being members of the armed forces or veterans eligible for certain credits and benefits that are available to other active and veteran members of the armed forces.