Congressman Mike Bost | Congressman Mike Bost Official U.S. House Headshot
Congressman Mike Bost | Congressman Mike Bost Official U.S. House Headshot
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, led a legislative hearing today to discuss various bills aimed at enhancing healthcare options for veterans. The session focused on public-private partnerships for developing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, access to therapy for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, mental health care expansion, and telehealth improvements.
In her opening remarks, Rep. Miller-Meeks highlighted twelve bills under consideration. These include proposals for innovative VA partnerships and research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. She expressed gratitude to the witnesses present, particularly Dr. Andrew Kozminski from the University of Iowa, who is involved in Hyperbaric Medicine.
Among the bills introduced by Rep. Miller-Meeks is the SPORT Act, which aims to classify athletic prosthetics as medically necessary for amputee veterans. "Every year in my district, severely disabled veterans gather to play golf," she noted, emphasizing the benefits sports can offer.
The No Wrong Door for Veterans Act was also discussed. This bill seeks to reauthorize the VA's Fox grant program that supports community organizations in providing services and mental health screenings for veterans. "My bill would ensure organizations who have been successful in our mission to expand mental health can receive additional funds by partnering with V.A.," said Rep. Miller-Meeks.
Another significant proposal is the Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, designed to allow VA coverage of high-cost medications for severely-disabled veterans in state homes. "Unfortunately, these high-cost medications can cost as much as $1,000 a day," she explained.
Lastly, Rep. Miller-Meeks introduced the START Act to address issues related to community care referrals' validity periods due to provider shortages and bureaucratic delays.
Concluding her remarks, Rep. Miller-Meeks emphasized her commitment: "These might seem like small things, but the bills we will discuss today are issues that would make real improvements to veterans’ day-to-day lives."
The hearing continued with input from Ranking Member Brownley and other participants.
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