Courtney Guard, Reserve Benefit Bill Honors Fallen Bolton Soldier

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney Friday issued the following statement after U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal announced his plans to introduce Courtney's Sgt. First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act in the Senate.

The bill will extend health care coverage for surviving family members following the death of a National Guard or Reserve member from six months to three years—the same length as active-duty components.

Courtney on April 27 introduced the bill after the family of Sergeant First Class Michael Clark — a resident of Bolton who died during a 30-day training exercise at Fort Gordon — was set to have its TRICARE benefits severely altered.

"Ahead of Memorial Day, I am reminded of the sacrifice of Michael Clark," Courtney said. "Unfortunately, tragic accidents like these often expose gaps in our laws. Soon after Michael Clark's death, his family was notified that the cost of their health care coverage would significantly increase — all because of an inexplicable law."

Courtney said he introduced the legislation in the House "to fix this flaw, not just for the Clarks but for anyone who might be put in this situation in the future. The introduction of this bill in the Senate is another important step in this push."

Under current law, survivors and their families have a six-month window to remain on TRICARE Reserve Select if the service member dies within less than 30 days while on training or weekend drills. The Sergeant First Class Michael Clark TRICARE Reserve Parity Act would amend existing statute and extend that six-month window to three years – bringing what Courtney called "parity for guard and reserve survivor benefits to that of active-duty personnel."

The bill is endorsed by the American Legion, Reserve Officer Association, and National Guard Association of the United States.