New Bill Introduced to Help Reduce Healthcare Costs for Veterans

VA healthcare costs

Congresswomen Rep. Lauren Underwood and Sen. Tammy Duckworth – both from Illinois, introduced legislation in August that they say is intended to make healthcare more affordable for veterans.  It would eliminate copays for preventative prescription medication and services, which are normally covered by “nearly all private insurance companies” because of the Affordable Care Act, but veterans going through VA hospitals are still required to pay.

Their bill entitled “The Veterans Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Act” would eliminate copays for the following services:

  • Immunizations
  • Screenings for depression
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Breast cancer screenings
  • Breastfeeding support and supplies
  • Contraceptives
  • Well-woman visits
  • Preventive drugs 

The legislation is supported by the VFW, American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America and DAV. To see the current status of the bill, you can click here.