- New education benefit for Guard and Reserve members who have
served in support of a contingency operation since September 11,
2001: 90 days to less than one year of service would earn 40% of the
active duty MGIB benefit level; one year to less than two years
earns 60% of active duty level; and two years or more of continuous
duty earns 80% of the active duty level. Benefits can be paid for up
to 36 months, but the member must remain in the Selected or Ready
Reserve.
- New TRICARE program for Reserve Component members who commit to
continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from Title
10 active duty for a contingency operation. Member receives one year
of coverage, with a 28% premium, for each 90 days of Title 10 active
duty served.
- Transitional health benefits for 180 days after separation from
active duty made a permanent program. Requires DoD to perform a
pre-separation physical exam.
- Early eligibility for TRICARE, 90 days before mobilization, made
permanent.
- Authorization for increased reenlistment bonuses for Guard and
Reserve members and extends the time period the bonus can be
received to 16 years of service from 14 years of service.
- Extension of FEHBP coverage to 24 months for federal civilians
who are on active duty.
- Clarified the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provision
regarding termination of residential and motor vehicle leases -
dependents also covered by that protection.
- Increase in the maximum home loan amount which VA will guarantee
under its home loan guaranty program from $240,000 to $333,700, the
maximum level allowed by the federally-chartered Freddie Mac
program. This level would be indexed in future years to the Freddie
Mac maximum amounts.
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