AUTHORIZATION TO EXPAND ENROLLMENT IN THE DEPENDENTS’ DENTAL PROGRAM TO CERTAIN MEMBERS RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS.

SEC. 703. AUTHORIZATION TO EXPAND ENROLLMENT IN THE DEPENDENTS’ DENTAL PROGRAM TO CERTAIN MEMBERS RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS. (a) Authority To Expand Program.—After March 31, 1994, the Secretary of Defense may expand the dependents’ dental program established under section 1076a of title 10, United States ode, to permit a member of the uniformed services described in subsection (b) to enroll dependents described in subsection (a) of such section in a dental benefits plan under the program without regard to the length of the uncompleted portion of the member’s period of obligated service. (b) Covered Members.—A member referred to in subsection (a) is a member of the uniformed services who is— (1) on active duty for a period of more than 30 days (as defined in section 101(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code); and (2) reassigned from a permanent duty station where a dental benefits plan under the dependents’ dental program is not available to a permanent duty station where such a plan is available. (c) Report on Advisability of Expansion.—Not later than February 28, 1994, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the advisability of expanding the enrollment eligibility of members of the uniformed services in the dependents’ dental program in the manner authorized in subsection (a). The report shall include an analysis of the cost implications for such an expansion to the Federal Government, beneficiaries under the dependents’ dental program, and contractors under the program. (d) Notification of Exercise of Authority.—The Secretary shall notify Congress of any decision to expand the enrollment eligibility of dependents in the dependents’ dental program as provided in subsection (a) not later than 30 days before such expansion takes effect.