West Virginia Senate Bill SB738

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/20/26

Caption

Clarifying eligibility for TRICARE program

Summary

SB 738 creates the West Virginia National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program within the Adjutant General’s department. The bill authorizes the department to reimburse eligible National Guard members for premiums they pay for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage and/or the TRICARE dental program, subject to application requirements and rules adopted by the Adjutant General. It also names the measure the “West Virginia National Guard Servicemember’s Medical Readiness Act.” To qualify, a recipient must be a member of the West Virginia National Guard, be eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE dental coverage, and comply with reimbursement requirements set by the Adjutant General. The bill requires the Adjutant General to publish policies, guidelines, and application procedures, and it specifies that any amount later paid or reimbursed by the federal government cannot also be reimbursed by the state program. The effective date is July 1, 2026.

Impact

The bill adds a new section to West Virginia Code §15-1B, creating a state-administered reimbursement program for certain National Guard health and dental insurance premiums. It affects the Adjutant General’s department by giving it authority to establish eligibility rules and administer reimbursements, while also making clear that the program is not an appropriation and may operate only if the Legislature provides funding. The measure primarily impacts National Guard members who purchase TRICARE Reserve Select or TRICARE dental coverage, potentially reducing their out-of-pocket premium costs.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable treatment of the bill. It was reported from the Senate Committee on the Military, and the bill’s stated purpose focuses on clarifying eligibility, authorizing reimbursements, and improving medical readiness for National Guard servicemembers. No recorded votes or committee debate are provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of organized opposition or divided sentiment.

Contention

The main policy issue apparent from the text is funding: the bill expressly states that it does not itself appropriate money and that reimbursement depends on legislative appropriation. Another possible point of administration is how the Adjutant General will define reimbursement requirements and application procedures, since eligibility and payment details are left to departmental rules. No specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided context.