New bipartisan legislation would reduce out of pocket costs for veterans seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to help more veterans access mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Sens. Ossoff and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced a bipartisan bill to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for veterans seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment at the VA.
The bipartisan REMOVE Copays Act would allow veterans enrolled in VA care to obtain copay-free mental health and substance abuse care for their first three outpatients visits each year.
Currently, many veterans must pay out of pocket for outpatient mental health or substance abuse services when seeking treatment through the VA.
“My bipartisan bill will eliminate copays for three mental health appointments per year for all veterans. I’m bringing both parties together to get this done, and I’m working every day for Georgia’s veterans,” Sen. Ossoff said. “My office is standing by to assist veterans at ossoff.senate.gov.”
“Every veteran was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We should ensure they have access to care they need. Removing copays for veterans for three mental health appointments annually prioritizes both their mental and physical health. It is a key way to support them as they adjust to civilian life,” said Senator Cramer.
Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-41) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House.
Sen. Ossoff is continuing his work to improve mental health care and suicide prevention efforts at the VA.
Last week, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee passed Sen. Ossoff’s Access for Veterans to Records Act to help more veterans access their service recordsand benefits.
In August, Sen. Ossoff brought together his Democratic and Republican colleagues to push forward the largest expansion of VA health care in decades, delivering long overdue care to veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic chemicals.
In June, Sen. Ossoff also worked with Sen. Rounds (R-SD) to strengthen and improve health care services for nearly five million veterans living in rural communities.
Veterans in need can always seek assistance 24/7 from the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing “1” or by visiting https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Click here to read the REMOVE Copays Act.
