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Guard asks legislators to cover post-duty medical costs for state active duty service
Summary
House Bill 1078 would extend state coverage for medical expenses that arise after a service member’s state active duty ends; the committee recommended a due-pass after hearing testimony from the Adjutant General’s office.
Deputy Adjutant General Jackie Huber testified that House Bill 1078 would extend medical protections for North Dakota National Guard members who fall ill or are injured as a direct result of duties performed while on state active duty — even if the condition is diagnosed after the state active duty period ends.
Huber described a recent example: Guard members sent to the southwest border had tuberculosis testing that took roughly 72 hours for results; under current language a positive test received after the member left state active duty could create a coverage gap. "This is really about filling a gap when something like that happens," Huber said, explaining the bill would align state practice with federal duty-status protections.
Committee members asked how claims would be paid; Huber said costs would be handled through existing disaster funds when tied to a declared disaster. She also said workers’ compensation is used when appropriate but that the coverage gap arises when the duty status ends before a condition is confirmed.
Representative Rohrer moved a due-pass recommendation; the motion was seconded and the committee carried the motion on a roll call (12-0).
Why it matters: The bill addresses a coverage gap that can leave Guard members and families with out-of-pocket costs for duty-related medical conditions that surface shortly after a state mission ends.
What’s next: Committee recommended the bill to the full House; tracking will focus on any fiscal note tied to disaster reimbursements and claims administration.
