WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, January 28th, 2021, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate cost barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations for veterans in the House of Representatives. The No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act ensures that veterans who receive health care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are not liable for out-of-pocket costs for qualifying coronavirus preventive services, like COVID-19 vaccines.
The legislation, originally introduced in May 2020, seeks to extend federal protections included in the CARES Act for civilians that waived copays for qualifying items, services, or immunizations intended to prevent or mitigate coronavirus to veterans receiving VHA care, ensuring that veterans are equally protected.
“Our heroic veterans have sacrificed so much to serve and keep our country safe,” said Fitzpatrick. “No veteran should have to pay out of pocket for COVID-19 preventive services when using V.A. benefits. I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to support our veterans.”
"Veterans sacrificed so much to protect our country, and we must honor their service by always making sure they have the care they’ve earned and deserve. As our nation continues to face the coronavirus pandemic, it’s critical that veterans never be assessed an out-of-pocket expense for a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Underwood. “I’m introducing the bipartisan No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act to ensure that veterans can protect themselves against COVID-19 without facing any financial barriers.”
“As we continue to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that our veterans are able to access the vaccine necessary to protect themselves and their families," said Brownley. "This important legislation would close an unintended loophole in the CARES Act and ensure that veterans will not face additional financial barriers to care."
“Every American deserves access to the best healthcare possible—particularly those who’ve served our nation in uniform—and that must include COVID-19 vaccinations and preventive services related to the virus,” said Duckworth. “I commend Congresswoman Underwood for introducing this bipartisan bill and look forward to working with her and our coalition of cosponsors to make sure Veterans never pay more for vaccines or preventive services related to COVID-19 than other insured Americans.”
A one-pager of the bill can be found here.
The No Coronavirus Copays for Veterans Act is endorsed by American Veterans (AMVETS) and the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN).
“Veterans in our country have been affected by the coronavirus in devastating ways. The virus has not only threatened veterans’ health, but it has impacted their financial stability and mental health. This legislation is intended to prohibit the VA from requiring co-payment for preventive services related to COVID-19, such as a vaccine. Our veterans have already felt the burden of the virus, and for those who choose to receive the vaccination, they should be able to do so without facing a financial burden,” said Joseph Chenelly, AMVETS Executive Director.