WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs’ and Senate Armed Services committees, and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the WWII Veterans Hospital and Medical Eligibility Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure all World War II (WWII) veterans have access to health care services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Current eligibility limits in the law have prevented some WWII veterans from receiving these benefits. The senators previously introduced this bill in the 116th Congress. 

“The world is a better place today thanks to the service and sacrifice of those who fought against tyranny during World War II. We should give them the highest quality care available without a second thought,” said Senator Cramer. “Our bill removes any roadblocks preventing these patriots from accessing the assistance they need and deserve.”

The VA determines a veteran’s eligibility for cost-free health care benefits based on a variety of factors such as military service history, disability rating and income level. The Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act of 1996 exempted all Spanish American War and World War I veterans from having to meet certain requirements in order to receive VA health care benefits. The WWII Veterans Hospital and Medical Eligibility Act will extend the exemption to include WWII veterans.

Senators Cramer and Menendez are joined on the bill by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

Learn more here.