MOAA recently joined more than 150 military survivors on Capitol Hill in support of the 2nd Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Gold Star Families Advocacy Week. This effort, backed by more than 35 military and veteran organizations, sought to address critical legislative needs that directly impact military survivors.

This year's Hill event focused on advocating for the passage of four bills: 

• The Love Lives On Act (H.R. 3651/S. 1266) addresses the complex realities facing surviving spouses who remarry after losing a servicemember. Currently, surviving spouses lose access to certain survivor benefits when they remarry before age 55. This bill would allow surviving spouses to retain these critical benefits regardless of remarriage.
  
  
• The Caring for Survivors Act (H.R. 1083/S. 414) seeks to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for eligible survivors. Currently, DIC paid by the VA is significantly lower than comparable benefits for other federal survivors, such as those in the civil service or law enforcement.
  
  
• The Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act (H.R. 1045/S. 956) would expand health care coverage under TRICARE to dependents of servicemembers up to age 26, aligning the program with civilian health care standards. Currently, military families often find themselves in a position where their children age out of TRICARE coverage at 21 (or 23 if they are full-time students).
  
  
• The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act (H.R. 2414/S. 1119) addresses age limits like the Health Care Fairness Act, but focuses on young adult dependents of veterans who die from a service-connected disability who are eligible for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This bill would extend coverage to these children until age 26, ensuring that survivors of veterans have access to critical healthcare for their dependents.

[ADD YOUR VOICE: Visit MOAA's Legislative Action Center and Urge Lawmakers to Improve Survivor Benefits]

Advocating alongside these military survivors, coupled with MOAA’s endorsement of these bills, underscores our commitment to all service-connected families. The importance of honoring the sacrifice of these survivors must go beyond extending sympathy and translate into actions that support the financial well-being of those left behind.

Getting these bills across the finish line will require a push from the entire military and veteran community. Contact your lawmakers using MOAA’s Legislative Action Center to express your support and urge Congress act to protect those who have already sacrificed so much.