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HB 4712

Military affairs: other; Tricare premium reimbursement program; create. Creates new act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 32 co-sponsors

Creates a Michigan Tricare premium reimbursement program that grants reimbursements for eligible National Guard members' Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Dental premiums.

bill electronically reproduced 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4712

Summary: HB 4712 — Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program

Overview

HB 4712 would create a new act within Michigan law to establish a Tricare premium reimbursement program administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (the Department). The program would provide grants to eligible Michigan National Guard members to reimburse premiums for specific Tricare health coverage options: Tricare Reserve Select (individual coverage) and Tricare Dental Program (individual coverage). The bill was introduced on March 12, 2025 and electronically reproduced on July 1, 2025; it has been referred to the Committee on Families and Veterans.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a state-funded mechanism to assist eligible Michigan National Guard members with the cost of certain Tricare health insurance premiums.
  • Support readiness and retention by reducing out-of-pocket premium costs for service members who are not on active duty.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the Tricare premium reimbursement program (the “program”) to be created and operated by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
  • Reimbursable premiums include:
    • Individual coverage under the Tricare Reserve Select program.
    • Individual coverage under the Tricare Dental Program.
  • Eligible recipients: Members of the Michigan National Guard who are eligible for Tricare Reserve Select or the Tricare Dental Program, plus any other eligibility criteria determined by the Department.
  • Grants: The Department may award grants to eligible recipients who meet the reimbursement requirements for the eligible premiums (either or both program options).
  • Application process:
    • Applicants must submit a reimbursement application on a form determined by the Department.
    • The Department must provide the form and submission instructions on its website.
  • Administration and rulemaking:
    • The Department is required to promulgate rules implementing the act under the Administrative Procedures Act (1969).

Eligibility and Administration

  • Definitions specify:
    • Department = Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
    • Eligible recipient = Michigan National Guard member eligible for Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental Program and meeting other criteria set by the Department.
    • Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Dental Program definitions and scope.
  • The Department bears the responsibility to determine eligibility criteria beyond those stated in the bill and to administer the grant process.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Legislative history highlights:
    • Filed: March 12, 2025.
    • Read first time: April 3, 2025.
    • Referred to Committee on Families and Veterans: April 3, 2025.
    • Introduced and read a first time: July 1, 2025.
    • Bill electronically reproduced: July 1, 2025.
  • The act requires the Department to develop application forms, provide guidance on its website, and promulgate implementing rules under the APA.

Potential Impact and Stakeholders

  • Affects: Michigan National Guard members who participate in Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental Program.
  • Benefits: Potential reduction in personal premium costs for eligible members, improving financial security and retention.
  • Fiscal note considerations: The bill does not specify funding amounts or appropriations; funding would depend on future appropriations and Department allocations, as well as the rulemaking framework.

Next Steps

  • If advanced, the bill would proceed through Committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Michigan Legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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