Veterans benefits could change under new bill

The Whole Health for Veterans Act would limit co-payments for VA whole-health well-being services and includes a reported $30 monthly cap for some co-pays; the bill was introduced Dec. 18 and referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Health.

The Whole Health for Veterans Act is a House bill that would change how the Department of Veterans Affairs charges for certain wellness-oriented services. The proposal targets services described as "Whole Health," which emphasize overall well-being rather than treatment for a specific disease. Supporters say co-payments can be a barrier to preventive and wellness care for some veterans. The bill was introduced in the House on December 18 and has been sent to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Health. Key details: - The bill would limit co-payments for VA Whole Health well-being services, which can include coaching, stress management, nutrition education and complementary therapies. - Multiple sources cited a proposed cap of $30 on certain monthly co-payments for these services. - Statements in coverage note that priority groups 1 through 5 would remain exempt from co-pays, as reported by interviewees. - Representative Chris Deluzio is quoted saying the measure would lower or cut co-pays so more veterans can participate in the VA Whole Health program. - The measure was introduced Dec. 18 and is currently referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Health for consideration. Summary: If enacted, the bill would change how some veterans are charged for wellness-oriented Whole Health services and could reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible users. The measure is now pending committee consideration in the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on Health, and further action by those panels will determine its legislative progress.