Veterans Health Care Omnibus
On Thursday, April 22, 2010, the Senate cleared an omnibus veterans’ health care measure that provides important assistance to both veterans and caregivers. S. 1963, as modified by the House, includes nearly $1.6 billion in authorizations for programs designed to aid caregivers of eligible veterans.
The measure, which now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature, is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans and to expand services in rural areas. The measure will also expand caregiver programs, making them eligible for training and education assistance.
The bill also authorizes VA hospitals to contract with non-VA providers, as stated in the bill:
“The Secretary may contract with appropriate entities to provide specialized residential care and rehabilitation services to a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who the Secretary determines suffers from a traumatic brain injury…”
Both BIAA and the Wounded Warrior Project have long advocated for approval of this measure and yesterday’s final passage signified a great victory for service members who suffer from TBI and their families.
Health Care Reform Update
After several weeks of delving into the final text of the health care reform bill, our partners at Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, PC, sponsored by BIAA’s Business and Professional Council, have prepared an analysis http://www.biausa.org/elements/policy/2010/hcr_anayliticalmemo.pdf of the major provisions that impact our community.
BIAA will continue to work to identify and advocate for favorable regulations to ensure access to brain injury care as the process moves forward.
