Military Family Limb Loss and Limb Difference Support Program

(a)

Establishment

Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program, to be known as the Military Family Limb Loss and Limb Difference Support Program (in this section referred to as the Program), to augment the holistic rehabilitative care for covered beneficiaries with limb loss or limb dysfunction through peer mentoring, education, and community outreach. (b)

Activities

The Program shall include— (1)peer mentorship and family support services; (2)education related to limb loss care and services; (3)community reintegration supports; (4)coordination of nonclinical resources; (5)outreach and awareness activities; and (6)such other activities as the Secretary considers appropriate. (c)

Partnerships

In carrying out the Program, the Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with one or more organizations that have demonstrated experience in carrying out the activities described in subsection (b) in virtual or in-person settings to support individuals with limb loss or limb difference, including individuals belonging to pediatric, military, or veteran populations. (d)

Implementation plan

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a plan for implementing the Program that— (1)describes the process for selecting and entering into cooperative agreements or contracts with organizations under subsection (c); (2)estimates the costs and staffing needs of implementing the Program; (3)assesses the extent to which existing resources and programs of the Department of Defense can support the Program; (4)includes performance metrics the Secretary will use to evaluate the effectiveness of the Program; and (5)requires integration of the Program with research efforts of the military health system to improve health care quality, access and outcomes for members of the Armed Forces and their families. (e)

Reports required

Not later than one year after the date on which the Program is implemented, and annually for three years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes, for the year preceding submission of the report— (1)the number and demographic characteristics of covered beneficiaries served by the Program; (2)a description of services provided and partnerships established under the Program; (3)an assessment of gaps in services or geographic coverage of the Program; and (4)recommendations for legislative or administrative action to improve support for military families affected by limb loss or limb difference. (f)

Covered beneficiary defined

In this section, the term covered beneficiary means— (1)an individual who has experienced limb loss or limb difference; and (2)is— (A)a dependent of a member or retired member of the Armed Forces; or (B)otherwise eligible for health care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.