TRICARE Equality Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Introduced
Summary
Expand TRICARE access and benefits for service members and families in Puerto Rico. The bill would align how TRICARE Prime areas and travel allowances work in Puerto Rico with the rules used in the states and require coordinated health‑data sharing and a short implementation report.
Show full summary
- Service members and families in Puerto Rico would see TRICARE Prime geographic areas designated the same way they are in the states, changing how local enrollment is handled.
- People in Puerto Rico would become eligible for the same travel and transportation allowances they would receive if they lived in a state, and the Secretary of Defense could revise or create rules to administer this.
- The Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization Office and Puerto Rico’s Department of Health would be required to coordinate sharing health information through the Joint Health Information Exchange.
- The Secretary of Defense would have to send a progress report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within 180 days of enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
TRICARE Prime and travel help in Puerto Rico
If enacted, the Defense Department would map TRICARE Prime areas in Puerto Rico the same way as in states. This could open more local Prime network options. TRICARE users in Puerto Rico who meet the normal TRICARE travel rules would be able to get travel and transportation allowances. The Defense Department could issue rules to run this. These changes could cut out-of-pocket travel costs.
Better health record sharing in Puerto Rico
If enacted, the federal electronic health record office would work with Puerto Rico’s Health Department to share health data. They would use the Joint Health Information Exchange or a successor system. This could help doctors see your records and coordinate care. The Defense Secretary would report progress to Congress within 180 days of enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
PR • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/3/2025
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 4/3/2025
Johnson (GA)
GA • D
Sponsored 4/7/2025
Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]
NY • D
Sponsored 5/8/2025
Kennedy (NY)
NY • D
Sponsored 10/3/2025
Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1]
CT • D
Sponsored 4/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov