Skip to main content
Image
Front view of the Capitol

The Oklahoman: Bill by Rep. Stephanie Bice prompted by injuries to Oklahoma National Guard member

July 2, 2021

Rep. Stephanie Bice introduced legislation this week to ensure National Guard members who are disabled while on active duty in their states can get federal health care and disability benefits.

Bice, R-Oklahoma City, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said she became aware this year of the gaps in coverage when Oklahoma National Guard Specialist Cody Casey was injured while helping stranded motorists during a storm in February. Casey’s Humvee was struck by a truck near Vinita.

Casey was treated for numerous injuries, including a broken leg, broken pelvis, broken ribs and multiple fractured vertebrae.

Bice said the state worker’s compensation program is covering Casey’s medical expenses but that she was concerned about coverage for long-term care.

“It’s our duty as a nation to provide high quality health and disability benefits to those who put their lives on the line to assist the citizens of this country, whether that’s on an overseas battlefield, or American soil,” she said.

Democratic and Republican members of the Armed Services Committee are cosponsoring the legislation, which would allow National Guard members disabled on state active duty to access medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs and disability benefits through the Department of Defense.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-NJ, said, “In the last few years, we’ve seen the men and women of the National Guard go to extraordinary lengths to serve our country. Whether they’re responding to a disaster, providing COVID-19 relief, or protecting our Capitol, they deserve to know that they will be protected if they are injured.”

In a news release, Casey said, “The National Guard serves both community and country. Our country must honor the commitment it made to the men and women of the National Guard, and provide medical care for their injuries from the VA or if necessary, a disability pension from the Department of Defense.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt endorsed the legislation, saying National Guard members “are always ready to answer the call to help their fellow citizens regardless of the location and they deserve the same protections whether they are serving in Oklahoma or abroad.”

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/07/02/bice-military-health-bill-prompted-by-injured-oklahoma-national-guard-member/7830191002/