(Photo: U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Dixon)
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are taking steps to ensure that Veterans do not experience a lapse in health insurance coverage after completing their military service. Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) has reintroduced the Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act, H.R.8312, a bill that allows Service Members to enroll in VA health care before leaving the military.
Currently, Service Members are covered under the government’s TRICARE program while on active duty. However, once they separate from the military, they must wait until they receive their official separation documents before applying for VA health benefits, which can take up to 180 days. This delay often leaves many Veterans without health coverage during a critical transition period.
The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act proposes a pilot program allowing eligible Service Members to opt into VA health care up to six months before their separation date. The bill also mandates the VA to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program’s impact and the number of pre-enrolled members.
“We wanted to make sure there was no lapse,” said Rep. Kim. “Our brave Service Members should not have to worry about whether they and their families can receive VA health care benefits as they transition to civilian life. This legislation ensures continuity of care and provides the certainty our Armed Forces deserve.”
The bipartisan bill has gained support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), a co-sponsor of the bill, has emphasized the importance of providing better care for Veterans. Tokuda believes that while Congress can never fully repay Service Members for their sacrifices, they have a responsibility to ensure Veterans receive the care they deserve.
“They never stopped caring for us, and we have to do the same,” she said.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), another co-sponsor, acknowledged the difficulties Veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life.
“I often hear from Veterans about the challenges they encounter during this transition. We must take every action to ensure none of them fall through the cracks,” Ciscomani said.
The bill is also supported by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), who stressed the importance of eliminating the “limbo period” between military service and receiving VA health care.
“Reducing this gap and ensuring seamless access to high-quality health care will prevent Veterans with service-related injuries from being left without the care they need,” Carbajal said.
The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act has received endorsements from major Veterans organizations, including The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project. The bill was introduced in the previous legislative session but did not pass in time. Kim, however, remains optimistic about its prospects this time around, hoping to see it pass both the House and Senate before reaching the president’s desk.
The legislation was sent to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs on January 23. If it passes both chambers of Congress, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
