Blumenthal Unveils Policy Roadmap to Ensure Veterans Have Access to VA Services During Pandemic
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released a veterans’ policy priorities blueprint outlining current policy shortfalls and charting a path for Congress to ensure American veterans get necessary care during the pandemic.
“My plan provides a clear roadmap for Congress to patch policy gaps that are leaving veterans without access to necessary services at this critical time,” said Blumenthal. “Now is the time to ensure as many Americans have access to care as possible, and it is simply unacceptable that veterans continue to be sidelined because of shortcomings in our laws. This policy priorities roadmap removes roadblocks, expands access to care, and streamlines processes so veterans have the support they need. These common-sense measures must be immediately implemented.”
Blumenthal’s plan outlines eleven priorities to be incorporated into upcoming coronavirus legislation, including temporarily expanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to currently ineligible veterans, ensuring that health care facilities have appropriate supplies and equipment to combat COVID-19, ensuring veterans are reimbursed for emergency health care at non-VA facilities, and protecting student veterans’ GI Bill benefits.
The eleven policy priorities are listed below. The full proposal is available here.
Blumenthal’s Veterans’ Priorities for Coronavirus Legislation:
- Expanding access to VA Benefits
- Strengthening the supply chain for VA
- Appropriately reimbursing veterans for care
- Increasing access to telehealth services for mental health
- Automatically registering transitioning servicemembers for VA services before they leave the military service
- Supporting jobs for transitioning servicemembers and veteran-owned businesses
- Improving staffing at the VA
- Ensuring appropriate oversight of the VA
- Protecting GI Bill benefits
- Freezing VA rating deductions
- Directing grants for low-income veterans and military families
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