I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 917 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 9, 2009 Mr. Guthrie introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To increase the health benefits of dependents of members of the Armed Forces who die because of a combat-related injury.

1.

Increase in the health benefits of dependents of members of the Armed Forces who die because of a combat-related injury

(a)

In General

Section 1079(g) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (2), by striking In addition and inserting the following: Except as provided by paragraph (4), and in addition; (2)by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively; (3)by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: (4)(A)When a member dies because of a combat-related injury incurred while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member’s dependents who are receiving benefits under a plan covered by subsection (a) shall continue to be eligible for benefits under TRICARE Prime. (B)For the purposes of this paragraph, the term combat-related injury means an injury caused by hostile fire, explosion of a hostile mine, or any other hostile action. ; and (4)in paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection, by striking under paragraph (2) and inserting under paragraph (2) or (4). (b)

Effective Date

The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to a member dying on or after September 11, 2001.