PHOTOS/VIDEO: Underwood Testifies as Her Legislation to Lower Veterans’ Health Care Costs Advances in Congress
WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) appeared before the House Veterans Affairs Committee during a hearing on her legislation, the Copay Fairness for Veterans Act. This bill would make health care more affordable for veterans by eliminating copay requirements for preventive health services that are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Resources & Services Administration.
Underwood testified to the bill’s enormous impact on veterans and urged the Committee to pass the legislation without delay:
“Despite their sacrifices and commitment to our country, veterans – unlike civilians and active duty servicemembers – are still at risk of being charged out-of-pocket costs for services like cancer screenings, mammograms, diabetes care, and screenings for depression and anxiety,” Underwood said. “My Copay Fairness for Veterans Act rights this wrong by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for veterans seeking the high-quality VA health care they have earned.”
Mr. Jon Retzer, Deputy National Legislative for Health of the Disabled American Veterans, also testified in support of the Copay Fairness for Veterans Act:
“We support this bill in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 246, which calls for legislation to eliminate or reduce VA and DOD health care out‑of-pocket costs for service-connected disabled veterans to improve health care access, provide financial relief, enhance health equity and encourage routine care. This bill reflects our nation's commitment to supporting our veterans and ensuring they receive the care they earned.”
Footage for Underwood’s full testimony can be found here. Additional photos can be found here.
The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act is endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, Minority Veterans of America, Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, National Women’s Law Center, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.