The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act recently signed into law authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson from Pennsylvania sponsored an amendment included in the legislation that dealt with the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP).
TAMP offers 180 days of health insurance coverage for service members transitioning into civilian life. The amendment extends TAMP an additional 180 days for all services rendered via telemedicine. This is needed to ensure that coverage is available especially for those with Post Traumatic Stress since very often symptoms do not appear until 8 to 19 months following deployment.
According to Thompson, “Often symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress do not appear until 8 to 10 months after deployment. This reform will help those who serve our country transition to civilian life without the burden or fear of losing access to critical services at a time when they are needed the most.”
He added, “This is a huge improvement to current policy that will help ensure a more seamless process for our service members as they transition from military to civilian life, especially those coping with mental and physical injuries.”
This amendment builds on Thompson’s 2011 STEP Act now Public Law 112-81, Section 713 which expanded service member healthcare services and the use of telemedicine at the Department of Defense.