NMFA Calls for Military Family Priorities in FY27 NDAA

Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act shapes defense programs and policies that affect service members and their families. The House has passed its version of the FY27 NDAA, H.R. 8800, while the Senate continues consideration of its bill, S. 4784.

On September 17, the National Military Family Association sent a letter to leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees highlighting provisions that would address challenges military families face every day. Our priorities are clear: strengthen military family health care, expand access to high-quality and affordable child care, keep military housing safe and healthy, and support military-connected youth.

Ensuring Timely Access to Care

Military families deserve timely access to care and a way to speak up when waitlists are long or care is difficult to find. The Senate bill would establish a digital system that allows TRICARE beneficiaries to report problems accessing care at military medical treatment facilities or through the TRICARE network, track the status of their concerns, and receive updates on how those concerns are being addressed.

The House-passed bill also includes a provision important to expectant families. Section 758 would create a five-year pilot treating pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event for enrollment in TRICARE Select, giving eligible beneficiaries greater flexibility to change coverage during pregnancy rather than waiting for Open Season.

Expanding TRICARE Coverage

NMFA has long advocated for a military health benefit that meets the needs of the families it serves. In our letter, we strongly supported a House provision that would provide TRICARE coverage for fertility-related care, including IVF, for eligible active-duty service members and their families.

Military families deserve health coverage that gives them the opportunity to build their families when they are ready.

The Senate bill also includes provisions expanding TRICARE coverage to include hearing aids for eligible children of military retirees enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select, as well as cranial orthotic devices used to treat certain infant head-shape conditions.

Caring for Military Kids and Youth

Finding high-quality, affordable child care remains a persistent challenge for military families.

NMFA supports House provisions that would create a grant program to help providers expand infant and toddler care in areas with high costs or limited access. The provisions would also include au pairs as eligible providers in the military’s in-home child care pilot.

We also support a Senate provision that would standardize how the Department of War collects and reports information on child care capacity, staffing, and waitlists across military services and installations. Better information can help leaders understand where the gaps are and respond to families’ needs.

Keeping Homes Safe and Healthy

Every military family deserves a safe and healthy place to call home, whether they live on or off base.

Too many families continue to report mold, dampness, pest infestations, and other health and safety concerns in privatized military housing. NMFA supports Senate provisions that would establish stronger health and safety standards, require independent inspections following certain tenant complaints or remediation efforts, and strengthen protections for families who report housing problems.

As Congress continues its work on the FY27 NDAA, we will continue to bring the experiences of military families to policymakers and advocate for policies that strengthen their quality of life.

Interested in raising your voice on behalf of military families? Join us in calling on Congress to support these provisions by visiting our Military Family Action Center.