Legislation would reduce out-of-pocket costs for veterans seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) introduced a bill to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for veterans seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment at the VA. The bipartisan REMOVE Copays Act would allow veterans to attain copay-free mental health and substance abuse care through VA and community providers for their first three outpatients visits each year. Currently, many veterans face out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient mental health or substance abuse services when seeking treatment through the VA.
“Every veteran was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We should ensure they have access to care they need. Removing copays for veterans for three mental health appointments annually prioritizes both their mental and physical health. It is a key way to support them as they adjust to civilian life,” said Senator Cramer.
“My bipartisan bill will eliminate copays for three mental health appointments per year for all veterans. I’m bringing both parties together to get this done, and I’m working every day for Georgia’s veterans,” said Senator Ossoff. “My office is standing by to assist veterans at ossoff.senate.gov.”
Click here for bill text.
