Pappas’s Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veterans’ Emergency Care Coverage Passes House by Unanimous Vote

Click here to view Pappas’s floor remarks in support of this legislation

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC), helped lead the House in passing the Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency (RELIEVE) Act alongside Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01). This bipartisan legislation would eliminate a glaring gap in veteran emergency care insurance coverage by expanding emergency coverage under the Community Care Program.

Failing to cover a veteran’s emergency care during a period without coverage can result in a crippling amount of debt that could take a lifetime to pay off. The RELIEVE Act would close this gap by treating enrollment in VA Health as receiving health services at the VA for emergency coverage. Upon entering the VA health system, veterans would have 60 days to complete their first doctor’s appointment. Emergency care at non-VA facilities will be insured during that time. Once a veteran completes their first appointment, they will qualify for regular coverage under the VA’s 24-month rule, eliminating the gap.

“No veteran should ever think twice about seeking the care they need during an emergency, but for too many New Hampshire veterans this is exactly what they are forced to do when VA coverage gaps result in uncovered services,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m thrilled to see our bipartisan legislation pass the House today, which is an important step towards ensuring no veteran is faced with costly medical bills after receiving emergency care. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law this year and close the emergency care coverage gap.”

“The only thing scarier for a veteran than a trip to the emergency room is finding out the VA won’t cover the cost because of a loophole in the system. Closing this coverage gap and ensuring veterans can receive care when and where they need it most is critical,” said Congresswoman Rodgers. “The passage of this bill is a step in the right direction and brings us closer than ever before to achieving that goal.”

“While the Community Care program has made tremendous strides to improve Veteran access to health care, significant coverage gaps remain that threaten the health and financial livelihoods of our Veterans. The RELIEVE Act will address one of these significant gaps by extending coverage for non-VA emergency care for 60 days until a Veteran is able to have their first appointment at a VA facility. I’m grateful to my colleagues for approving this legislation in the House, and I look forward to continuing our work on behalf of our Nation’s Veterans,” said Congressman Bergman.