Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 815, the RELIEVE Act, as amended, which is sponsored by Representative McMorris Rodgers and cosponsored by our committee members, Representatives Pappas and Bergman.

It will address a gap for a small population of veterans who first enrolled in VA healthcare within the last 60 days to be covered for emergency care in the community, even if they have not received any services from a VA provider.

Existing VA authorities for coverage of emergency care in the community are extremely complex. They are also not well understood by veterans, who often end up blindsided by massive medical bills that they can't afford.

Under current law, VA can only cover emergency care in the community for a nonservice-connected condition if the veteran was enrolled in VA healthcare and had used VA care within the 24 months before the emergency care episode.

This bill would make an exception for veterans who first enrolled in VA healthcare within 60 days before their emergency care episode. Such veterans may not have had a reason to use VA care yet or they may have experienced a wait time for a routine appointment.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 815, as amended, which will help ensure veterans who are new to VA healthcare will be covered for unexpected medical emergencies.

I also highlight a new meaningful benefit for veterans who are experiencing acute suicidal crises. It is important for veterans and their families and caregivers to know that VA has now implemented legislation I championed to remove cost from the equation when veterans are in imminent risk of self-harm.

VA will now fully cover up to 30 days of inpatient or residential care or up to 90 days of outpatient care for veterans who are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis, regardless of whether the veteran has ever enrolled in or used VA healthcare benefits. Any veteran experiencing a mental health crisis should call 988 and press 1 to speak with a trained professional from the Veterans Crisis Line.
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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. In closing, let me just say, it was a delight to join my colleague from Michigan at the Joni Mitchell concert and stand up and participate in ``Big Yellow Taxi,'' which is his favorite song.

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