U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 2641b. Space-available travel on Department of Defense aircraft: retired members residing in Commonwealths and possessions of the United States for certain health care services

(a) Priority Transportation.— The Secretary of Defense shall provide transportation on Department of Defense aircraft on a space-available basis for any member or former member of the uniformed services described in subsection (b), and a single dependent of the member if needed to accompany the member, at a priority level in the same category as the priority level for an unaccompanied dependent over the age of 18 traveling on environmental and morale leave.

(b) Eligible Members and Former Members.— A member or former member eligible for priority transport under subsection (a) is a covered beneficiary under chapter 55 of this title who—

(1) is entitled to retired or retainer pay;

(2) resides in or is located in a Commonwealth or possession of the United States; and

(3) is referred by a military or civilian primary care provider located in that Commonwealth or possession to a specialty care provider for services to be provided outside of that Commonwealth or possession.

(c) Scope of Priority.— The increased priority for space-available transportation required by subsection (a) applies with respect to both—

(1) the travel from the Commonwealth or possession of the United States to receive the specialty care services; and

(2) the return travel.

(d) Definitions.— In this section, the terms “primary care provider” and “specialty care provider” refer to a medical or dental professional who provides health care services under chapter 55 of this title.

(e) Regulations.— The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement this section.

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