[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 31, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPANDING VETERAN ELIGIBILITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT IN NON-VA FACILITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I stand in support of our 
veterans and in support of H.R. 1377, to amend title 38, United States 
Code, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement by the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs for emergency treatment furnished in a non-
department facility and for other purposes by my colleague from 
California, Representative Bob Filner and the Members of the Veterans' 
Affairs Committee.
  H.R. 1377 would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay for 
emergency care that certain veterans receive at non-VA medical 
facilities or to reimburse veterans if they have paid for that care. 
Specifically, veterans with non-service-connected conditions whose 
third-party insurer does not cover the full cost of care would be 
reimbursed.
  The bill also permits the VA to reimburse veterans for emergency 
treatment that was provided prior to the date of enactment. Under 
current federal law, the Department of Veterans Affairs has the 
authority to reimburse certain veterans or pay for emergency treatment 
of a non-service connected condition if the VA is the payer of last 
resort. However, the VA currently does not pay for emergency treatment 
for non-service connected conditions in facilities outside the VA 
system if a veteran has third-party insurance that pays for any portion 
of the medical cost. H.R. 1377 would make these veterans eligible for 
reimbursements from the VA.
  I have been a strong advocate of supporting our veterans. We are 
providing for our veterans with legislation such as:
  H. Res. 234--which would designate a ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans 
Day.''
  H. Res. 1054--Honoring the service and achievements of women in the 
Armed Forces and female veterans (Rep. Davis (CA)--Armed Services).
  H.R. 2790--To establish the position of Director of Physician 
Assistant Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs for Health as amended (Rep. Hare--Veterans' Affairs).
  H.R. 3889--To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a 
longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation programs 
administered by the Secretary (Rep. Boozman--Veterans' Affairs).
  H.R. 5554--Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment 
Act of 2008 (Rep. Michaud--Veterans' Affairs)--Passed.
  H.R. 5664--To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at 
least once every six years the plans and specifications for specially 
adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary (Rep. 
Rodriguez--Veterans' Affairs).
  Currently, there are over 25 million veterans in the United States. 
There are more than 1,633,000 veterans living in Texas. According to 
the Texas Veterans Commission, there are 197,030 veterans in Harris 
County. In the 2007 fiscal year health care costs in the 18th district 
of Texas were over $80,000.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in expanding 
Title 38 for reimbursement of emergency care in non-department 
facilities for veterans.

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