Urge your Representative to Support the Military CARE Act
Join us to advocate for improved transparency and accountability across the military health system (MHS)
Greetings from MOAA
Too many military families face barriers when trying to access care at military hospitals and clinics. Long wait times, unanswered phones, delayed referrals, and difficulty scheduling appointments have become an all too common experience for patients seeking health care at military treatment facilities (MTFs).
The Pentagon has acknowledged these access challenges, and Congress has identified timely access to care as a longstanding quality of Life issue for military families. Yet too often, patients are left without an effective way to report problems or get the help they need when the system falls short.
The Military CARE Act would improve transparency and accountability across the military health system (MHS) by creating a standardized, user-friendly digital process for beneficiaries to report and track access to care problems at MTFs. The legislation would ensure complaints are routed to patient advocates for resolution while providing Congress and Defense Health Agency leaders with the data needed to identify systemic problems and improve oversight.
TRICARE policy prevents families from switching plans to seek covered care in the civilian network. This policy mirrors similar commercial plan constraints but does not reflect the unique nature of the MHS that has the potential to trap patients in a single medical facility that does not meet their needs. Given these limitations, beneficiaries deserve prompt assistance, greater transparency, and accountability when their MTF cannot provide timely access to care.
Please take a moment to contact your elected officials and urge them to support the Military CARE Act. Your voice is particularly important now as this legislation has a path forward through the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Thank you for your help in improving access to care for servicemembers, military families, retirees, and survivors.
With the deepest appreciation,
MOAA Government Relations
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
201 N Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.moaa.org