Fisher House Availability Act of 2026

The definition of 'covered beneficiary' was narrowed from the TRICARE definition in section 1072(5) of title 10 (which includes retirees, family members, and others) to only 'a member of the uniformed services performing active duty.'

New paragraph (b)(5) allows a veteran and their family to use Fisher House lodging on a space-available basis when they must travel a significant distance for a member of the veteran's family to receive care at a Department or non-Department facility.

New paragraph (b)(6) allows a covered beneficiary (active duty service member) and their family to use Fisher House lodging on a space-available basis when they must travel a significant distance for a member of the covered beneficiary's family to receive care at a Department or non-Department facility.

Paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) were expanded to cover travel to both Department and non-Department facilities, whereas the introduced version only covered non-Department facilities.

A new Section 3 was added extending the limit on payments of pension under section 5503(d)(7) of title 38 from January 31, 2033 to July 31, 2033, a six-month extension.

The short title year was changed from 2025 to 2026, and the section heading was changed from 'certain TRICARE beneficiaries' to 'certain individuals' to reflect the broader eligibility categories now included.