The Defense Department finally has recognized, at least in part, the debt it owes to the more than 400,000 members of the National Guard and Reserve who have been called to active duty since September 2001.

The Pentagon announced Thursday that returning soldiers who stay in the Reserves or Guard will be able to keep their military health insurance for up to eight years by joining the Department of Defense Tricare system.

No doubt, most of the soldiers will prefer to keep insurance through their civilian employers, but for those lacking coverage, the plan offers a viable alternative. Premiums aren’t cheap, but they’re competitive: $75 a month for an individual, $233 for families.

Cost figures are sketchy, but the expansion of benefits is worthwhile on two fronts. It could reduce the number of people lacking health insurance. And, most importantly, it recognizes the commitment and service provided by citizen soldiers. The extension of benefits is overdue, but still welcome.