Putting Families First
The Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health convened this week to discuss a critical medical care resource for permanently and totally disabled veterans and their families. When a veteran’s service-connected disability renders them permanently and totally disabled, VA has a responsibility to ensure the healthcare coverage not only of the veteran, but also of their spouse and children. CHAMPVA is utilized in the Mariana Islands by dozens of families to cover medical costs. However, this medical care is not always accepted by providers and is often unclear in explaining the care it will cover. I am working with VA to close this gap and ensure our permanently and totally disabled veterans, and their families, do not face inequity or confusion when accessing the benefits they have earned.