COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON THE COST AND FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE STIPENDS FOR MEMBERS OF THE READY RESERVES.

SEC. 702. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT ON THE COST AND FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE STIPENDS FOR MEMBERS OF THE READY RESERVES.(a) Study Required.—The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the cost and feasibility of providing a stipend to members of the Ready Reserves to offset the cost of continuing private health insurance coverage for the members’ dependents when the members are on active duty for periods of more than 30 days, with the dependents being ineligible to enroll in the TRICARE program and payment of the stipend ending when the members are no longer on active duty.(b) Matters Covered.—The study shall include the following matters:(1) Recommendation for a benefit amount and cost to the Department of Defense.(2) Potential effects on medical readiness, recruitment, and retention.(3) The extent to which the Reserves and members of their families might participate under the stipend program.(4) Administrative and management considerations for the Department of Defense.(5) Impact of pre-existing conditions on continuity of care for dependents. (6) Possible implications for employers.(c) Report.—Not later than March 31, 2005, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report containing the results of the study under this section.