Veteran Transitional Health Care Improvement Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. SABLAN. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Veteran Transitional Health Care Improvement Act, which would provide veterans one year of VA health care after they separate from active service in the Armed Forces or from active status with the National Guard or Reserve. By providing health coverage during this transition period, our nation can better assist veterans to succeed as they move into civilian life.

The transition to civilian life presents a number of challenges for veterans and their families. Figuring out their next steps in education, employment, housing, and health care is difficult. Our legislation, removes the burden of health care, at least during that critical first year of re-entry.

Knowing they have this coverage, including the mental health care that can be so important during transition, will free veterans to focus on re-establishing their family relationships and finding a new career.

Our bill requires the VA, the Pentagon, and the Department of Labor all to make sure that veterans are well informed about their eligibility for this transitional health care coverage.

The Veteran Transitional Health Care Improvement Act will help the over one million men and women serving our country in the active and reserve components including those from my district, the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Act has the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Reserve Officers Association.

The gentlelady from American Samoa, Mrs. Radewagen, is an original cosponsor of the bill.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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