Air Force Healthcare Policy for Reservists Faces Criticism for Inadequate Reforms
TL/DR –
The US Air Force has introduced a policy aimed at streamlining access to health care for reservists and Air National Guard members injured on duty. The policy pledges access to the military’s Tricare health insurance network for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members hurt on active duty orders for 31 days or more who also complete several paperwork requirements. However, critics argue that the policy does not address deeper issues that often result in injured servicemen being denied immediate pay, health care, and long-term disability benefits.
Air Force New Policy Lacks Adequate Fix to Health Care Access, Say Reservists and Veterans
The Air Force’s newly launched policy is aimed at improving health care access for reservists and Air National Guardsmen injured on duty. However, those with firsthand experience, including airmen and veterans, claim that the policy falls short of addressing the critical challenges they face in accessing health care and long-term benefits.
Former F-15 fighter pilot, Cody Kirlin, who recently retired from the Louisiana Air National Guard following a four-year struggle for benefits with the Air Force, said, “It’s not fixing the problem.”
The new guidance was announced with the promise of providing access to Tricare, the military’s health insurance network, for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members hurt on active duty orders for 31 days or more.
Yet, some airmen, veterans, and advocates believe the new rules don’t address the underlying issues that result in many injured airmen being denied both immediate pay and health care, and longer-term disability benefits.
Understanding the Basics
If an Air Reserve Component (ARC) member is injured or becomes sick during active duty, they are supposed to move to “medical continuation” or MEDCON orders with active duty pay and Tricare until they recover. However, the key to the whole system is an “In Line of Duty” (ILOD) determination, an official judgement that their injury or illness is service-related. According to airmen, veterans, advocates and the 2024 Air Force inspector general report, this status is rarely granted.
Concerns about Long-Term Disability Benefits
Retired Air National Guard fighter pilot and advocate, Jeremy Sorenson, said that the new guidance does not address all the issues that arise from the Line of Duty process. He also highlighted that the guidance only applies to Tricare access, not MEDCON orders or the disability evaluation system.
Reversed Decisions on Line of Duty
Lt. Col. Mitch Hall, a former Washington Air National Guard tanker pilot, doesn’t believe the new policy would have helped in his situation. Hall, Kirlin, and Sorenson expressed concern that this new policy will further confuse airmen and medical personnel. They would prefer the Air Force to adhere to federal law and regulations regarding timelines, transparency, and the burden of proof for denying a Line of Duty.
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