Kiggans Champions Military Family Quality of Life in NDAA Amendments

Washington, D.C. - As the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prepares to come to the House Floor for a vote, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced a series of new amendments she introduced and co-sponsored to improve healthcare and quality of life for military families.

"Everywhere I go in Hampton Roads, I hear from military families about the challenges they face with healthcare, frequent moves, and the cost of living," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "My focus in this year's NDAA is to tackle those challenges head-on and make sure our servicemembers and their loved ones get the support they deserve."

Building on that commitment, Kiggans put forward a package of reforms that directly respond to the concerns she hears most often from military families, from healthcare access to stable housing and community support.

Two of Kiggans' top priorities this year focus on fixing TRICARE to better serve military families. One proposal would align TRICARE with private-sector health plans by extending dependent coverage until age 26 and eliminating the costly separate premium under the TRICARE Young Adult program. Another would strengthen the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program by ensuring fair reimbursement for local pharmacies, banning hidden fees, mandating independent audits, and protecting patient choice. Together, these reforms would make healthcare more affordable, transparent, and reliable for servicemembers, retirees, and their families.

Kiggans has also advanced amendments to ease the everyday burdens of military life. She is pressing the Department of Defense to evaluate how reducing permanent change of station (PCS) moves and Navy sea/shore rotations could improve family stability, while also reviewing whether PCS reimbursements truly cover out-of-pocket costs. To improve housing and healthcare, she has supported new standards to address mold in military housing, pushed for a digital system that lets TRICARE beneficiaries track access-to-care issues, and required DoD to give families timely notice of coverage changes. In addition, she has secured language to dedicate a portion of Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) funding to projects that directly benefit military families, such as schools, childcare, and community facilities.

"As a Navy veteran, spouse to a veteran, and military Mom, I know firsthand how much our servicemembers and their families sacrifice for our country. Our servicemembers should be focused on the mission, not worrying about whether their families can afford healthcare or live in safe housing. These amendments are about giving them the peace of mind they deserve," Kiggans added. "Even if Washington politics prevents some of these proposals from moving forward, I want military families to know I will never stop fighting to make their lives easier and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve."

"Millions of Americans rely on premium tax credits to keep their health coverage," said Congressman Kean."Since 2021, these credits have helped rideshare drivers, working families, and many others afford private insurance on the individual market. If they expire at the end of the year, families in New Jersey and across the country will face higher costs and risk losing critical coverage. This bipartisan effort will extend the credits for another year as Congress continues working together on long-term solutions to lower health care premiums."

Representing a district that includes Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and the largest concentration of military families in the nation, Congresswoman Kiggans has made it her mission on the House Armed Services Committee to strengthen the Navy, support shipyard workers, and champion policies that improve military quality of life.

You can find Rep. Kiggans' new amendments here.

Read about Rep. Kiggans' previously accepted FY26 NDAA amendments here.

You can find Rep. Kiggans' TRICARE bill, which her amendment is based on, here.