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Panel backs bill to extend medical coverage for National Guard members after state active duty
Summary
House Bill 10 78 would extend medical protections for North Dakota National Guard members for injuries or illnesses incurred on state active duty. The committee heard that the change would fill a coverage gap between federal activation benefits and state orders, and recommended due pass.
Colonel Patrick Flanagan, chief of staff for the North Dakota Army National Guard, asked the committee to support House Bill 10 78, which would extend medical coverage for service members who are injured or fall ill as a direct result of duties performed while on state active duty.
"This legislation aims to fill the gap by ensuring that all service members are covered for medical care, rehabilitation and related treatments necessary to address injuries or illness they incur while on state active duty," Colonel Flanagan told the committee. He described cases in which symptoms or complications did not appear until after the state order ended and where the absence of continuing coverage created financial hardship.
Christopher Martins, attorney for the North Dakota National Guard, said the requested protection is intended to be a remedy of last resort. He explained the existing tiers: Guard members are encouraged to maintain TRICARE or other insurance while on state orders, the state can pay prorated premiums during orders, and Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) can cover certain claims. HB 10 78 would provide authority to address residual medical expenses not covered by those other tiers.
The committee had no opposing testimony and voted to give the bill a due‑pass recommendation. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from committee members during the roll call.
