Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Expand Mental Health Services for Military Families

May 2, 2023

Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced legislation last week that “will allow the Secretary of Defense to waive out-of-pocket expenses for military families on TRICARE for their first three outpatient mental health visits per year, lowering costs and helping families access the treatment they need,” according to a joint press release.

“Our bipartisan bill will expand free access to counseling and mental health services for military families, who make great sacrifices for our nation, endure great stress in so doing, and deserve nothing less than the care they need when they need it,” Ossoff said.

Ossoff and Cramer worked together last year to get similar legislation enacted to help veterans access mental health treatment, Cramer noted in the release.

“These men and women have bravely served our country and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep our country safe,” Cramer said. “It is only right we break down these barriers for our active duty as well.”

Marine Corps photo by Nathan Hanks

May 2, 2023

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