This is what Rep. Joseph C. Reyes is proposing in his House Bill 16-109 or the “Commonwealth Military Family Relief Fund Act of 2008.”
Reyes, R-Saipan, said many local Reservists who were called to active duty to the Middle East have private health insurance.
However, they are unable to continue paying their premiums while on active duty.
And although the U.S. armed forces provide them health insurance benefits, there’s no military or veterans hospital or clinic in the commonwealth.
“As a result, many families of active duty members cannot avail themselves of their armed forces insurance benefits in the commonwealth. Such family members must fly to Guam to receive medical care from the Navy hospital or other military clinics. This process requires additional expense and poses an inconvenience for the families of reserve members,” said Reyes.
He said his bill seeks to establish a “military family relief fund” financed through government appropriations, donations and collections from the special license plates — $100 for each “Armed Forces Veteran” motor license plates and $50 for the “Support Our Troops” plates.
