Copay Fairness for Veterans Act
Copay Fairness for Veterans Act
Plain Language Summary
# Copay Fairness for Veterans Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would eliminate copayments (out-of-pocket charges) that veterans currently pay for preventive healthcare services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it would remove copays for preventive medications, hospital care, and medical services. The bill also expands what counts as "preventive" to include evidence-based health screenings recommended by major health organizations, vaccinations, and women's health services like contraception. **Who it affects:** Veterans who receive healthcare through the VA would benefit by no longer paying copayments for covered preventive services.
This could reduce healthcare costs for veterans and potentially increase their use of preventive care. The bill doesn't appear to directly affect non-veterans or private insurance holders. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass committee, then the full House and Senate, and be signed by the President.
CRS Official Summary
Copay Fairness for Veterans ActThis bill eliminates veterans' copayments for medication, hospital care, and medical services related to preventive health services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.The bill expands the definition of preventive health services to include (1) evidence-based items or services that have an A or B rating in the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force; (2) immunizations that have a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the individual involved; and (3) with respect to services for women, the preventive care, screenings, and contraceptives provided for in the Health Resources and Services Administration Preventive Services Guidelines in effect as of December 30, 2022, and any contraceptive approved, granted, or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, any related contraceptive care, and any related services.
Latest Action
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.