Because service members who are discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces currently cannot apply for health care with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) until after they receive their official separation documents, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) on Jan. 23 sponsored a bipartisan bill to help end that lapse in care.
“As a wife and sister to U.S. Army veterans, supporting those who served in our nation’s uniform and their families is personal to me,” Rep. Kim said. “I’ll always have the backs of our brave military veterans who had ours.”
The congresswoman introduced the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act, H.R. 683, which has five original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), to create a three-year pilot program allowing eligible members to opt-in to VA health care during the 180-day period before their date of separation.
“Our service members should not have to worry about whether their families can receive VA health care as they transition to civilian life,” said Rep. Kim. “The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act addresses any lapse in care and gives our Armed Forces the certainty they deserve.”
If enacted, H.R. 683 also would require the VA to report to Congress annually on the program and pre-enrolled members, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s staff.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation that will eliminate gaps in health care coverage, ensuring they receive timely and uninterrupted care as they transition back to civilian life,” added Rep. Carbajal.
