Today, Congressman Tom Perriello voted in favor of two key bills for veterans’ healthcare, both of which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with wide bipartisan majorities. He also introduced legislation to support family caregivers of disabled veterans.
Endorsed by veterans’ organizations as “among the most important for veterans and their families,” the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) authorizes Congress to approve investments in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care one year in advance to provide time for the VA to plan how to deliver the best care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions. Reform of the method in which the VA health care system is funded has been a top legislative priority for many veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of the legislation, which aims to address the problem of chronic underfunding and tardy appropriations for the VA.
“The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act was the top priority for all of our national veteran groups and I’m proud that our committee delivered a bipartisan victory for those who served. The advanced appropriations will allow our VA system to plan ahead without being held hostage to political games. This is real change that makes a real difference and I’m proud to be part of it,” said Perriello.
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1211), which Perriello also supported today, will expand and improve VA health care services for the 1.8 million women who have bravely served their country. It calls for:
- a study of barriers to women veterans seeking health care,
- assessment of women’s health care programs,
- medical care for newborn children of women veterans,
- enhancement of VA sexual trauma programs,
- enhancement of PTSD treatment for women,
- establishment of a pilot program for child care services, and
- the addition of recently separated women veterans to serve on advisory committees.
As well, Congressman Perriello has introduced the Health Care for Family Care Givers Act of 2009, which would extend healthcare benefits from the VA to family members who act as the primary caregivers for severely disabled veterans. Currently, many family caregivers are forced to leave their jobs, and thus their health coverage, to care for injured veterans.
Perriello’s legislation (H.R. 2734) would extend medical care for those family members who serve as caregivers to disabled veterans. If the bill passes, a family caregiver will not be subject to deductibles, premiums, copayments, cost-sharing, or other fees for their own personal medical care. It expands the definition of those eligible for benefits beyond spouses and children to include any nuclear, extended, or step-family members who is designated as a primary caregiver by a veteran.
Perriello serves on the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
As our “family” composition has rapidly changed it is wonderful to see this inclusive approach in HR 2734! Thank you!