Expanding Veteran Eligibility For Reimbursement In Non-VA Facilities

Floor Speech

Expanding Veteran Eligibility For Reimbursement In Non-VA Facilities -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 31, 2009)

* Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I stand in support of our veterans and in support of H.R. 1377, to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-department facility and for other purposes by my colleague from California, Representative BOB FILNER and the Members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

* H.R. 1377 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for emergency care that certain veterans receive at non-VA medical facilities or to reimburse veterans if they have paid for that care. Specifically, veterans with non-service-connected conditions whose third-party insurer does not cover the full cost of care would be reimbursed.

* The bill also permits the VA to reimburse veterans for emergency treatment that was provided prior to the date of enactment. Under current federal law, the Department of Veterans Affairs has the authority to reimburse certain veterans or pay for emergency treatment of a non-service connected condition if the VA is the payer of last resort. However, the VA currently does not pay for emergency treatment for non-service connected conditions in facilities outside the VA system if a veteran has third-party insurance that pays for any portion of the medical cost. H.R. 1377 would make these veterans eligible for reimbursements from the VA.

* I have been a strong advocate of supporting our veterans. We are providing for our veterans with legislation such as:

* H. Res. 234--which would designate a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.''

* H. Res. 1054--Honoring the service and achievements of women in the Armed Forces and female veterans (Rep. DAVIS (CA)--Armed Services).

* H.R. 2790--To establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health as amended (Rep. HARE--Veterans' Affairs).

* H.R. 3889--To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs administered by the Secretary (Rep. BOOZMAN--Veterans' Affairs).

* H.R. 5554--Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008 (Rep. MICHAUD--Veterans' Affairs)--Passed.

* H.R. 5664--To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary (Rep. RODRIGUEZ--Veterans' Affairs).

* Currently, there are over 25 million veterans in the United States. There are more than 1,633,000 veterans living in Texas. According to the Texas Veterans Commission, there are 197,030 veterans in Harris County. In the 2007 fiscal year health care costs in the 18th district of Texas were over $80,000.

* Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in expanding Title 38 for reimbursement of emergency care in non-department facilities for veterans.

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