WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon says some reservists can now choose to keep their military health coverage for as long as eight years after they return to civilian life.

The new rule affects the more than 400-thousand National Guard and Reserve members who've been mobilized since September 2001 for the war on terror. Only those who remain in the drilling reserves after they're demobilized are eligible.

Until now, Guard and Reserve members could retain Defense Department coverage for no more than six months after they leave active duty. Now they can keep it for a least a year and as long as eight years, depending on the length of mobilization and committment.

The assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs says the new arrangement "targets the young men and women bearing the brunt today."

Individuals still have to pay 75-dollar monthly premiums.

Families would pay 233 dollars a month.

Date published: 3/24/2005

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