Problem Solvers Caucus Backs Bill to Eliminate VA Healthcare Delays for Combat Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act, legislation that would allow combat veterans to enroll in their VA health care benefits program before officially transitioning out of active duty to ensure they do not experience a gap in coverage.

Members of the armed forces currently cannot apply for VA health care after they are discharged from the military until they receive their official separation documents. As a result, some experience lengthy gaps in their health care coverage. To address this problem, the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act would create a three-year pilot program allowing eligible members to opt-in to VA health care during the 180-day period before their date of separation.

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and has nine additional cosponsors, eight of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Kim and Carbajal.

“Service members who are transitioning to civilian life and their families should not have to face any lapse in VA health care. My bipartisan Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act will give those who served our nation the certainty they deserve,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). “I’m thrilled this bipartisan bill is supported by the Problem Solvers Caucus and gaining bipartisan momentum. I will keep fighting to get this done for our veterans and their families.” 

“The men and women who serve our nation put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, we need to ensure that our veterans receive the care they deserve without delay," said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). "I'm proud to have the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsement on this bipartisan legislation that will eliminate gaps in health care coverage, ensuring they receive timely and uninterrupted care as they transition back to civilian life."

“The Veterans Health Administration is essential in providing our nation’s heroes with the health care they have earned. However, too many veterans face months-long delays to access this vital coverage," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “It is unacceptable that the brave men and women who risk their lives for our country return home to a system that fails to deliver timely, accessible health care. The existing process must be revised to ensure our Veterans receive immediate coverage upon transitioning to civilian life. I am proud of our Caucus for supporting this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, which will address a critical gap in the current VHA benefit system.”

“Our veterans represent the best our nation has to offer — the ones who have sacrificed everything for the freedoms we cherish today. I’m glad the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act and ensure there is no delay in receiving the VA benefits our servicemembers have earned and deserve,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “Our commitment to our veterans cannot end when their return to civilian life begins. We must all work together to get the backs of those who’ve bravely had ours.”

 The full text of the bill can be found here. 

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The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.