Senate 738

WEST virginia legislature

2026 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Bill 738

By Senator Willis

[Reported February 20, 2026, from the Committee on the Military]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section, designated §15-1B-15, relating to the National Guard; establishing the West Virginia National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program within the Adjutant General’s department; defining term; clarifying eligibility for the TRICARE reimbursement program; authorizing premium reimbursement when certain requirements are met; providing for the establishment of policies and guidelines by the Adjutant General; clarifying funding; and providing an effective date.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 1B. NATIONAL GUARD.

§15-1B-15. National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act.

(a) This section is known and may be cited as the "West Virginia National Guard Servicemember's Medical Readiness Act".

(b) The West Virginia National Guard TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program is hereby established within the Adjutant General’s department.

(c) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "eligible recipient" means an individual who is:

(1) A member of the West Virginia National Guard;

(2) Eligible for TRICARE reserve select or TRICARE dental program coverage; and

(3) In compliance with reimbursement requirements established by the Adjutant General pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

(d) Upon application by an eligible recipient, the Adjutant General’s department may award premium reimbursement grants to an eligible recipient for one or both of the following:

(1) A premium paid for individual coverage for an eligible recipient through the TRICARE reserve select program; or

(2) A premium paid for individual coverage for an eligible recipient through the TRICARE dental program.

(e) If any portion of the premiums eligible for reimbursement under this section are later paid for, reimbursed, or otherwise provided to an eligible recipient by the federal government, then that portion shall cease to be reimbursed by the TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program established by this section.

(f) The Adjutant General shall adopt and publish written policies and guidelines, including reimbursement requirements and application procedures, to effectuate the purposes of this section.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed as an appropriation of funds. Funding for the TRICARE Premium Reimbursement Program is subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

(h) The provisions of this section shall be effective July 1, 2026.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to clarify eligibility for the TRICARE program; authorize reimbursement when certain requirements are met; require policies and guidelines; and clarify funding.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.