Whole Health for Veterans Act
Summary
The "Whole Health for Veterans Act" aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to limit copayments for veterans receiving Whole Health well-being services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill encourages the further development of the VA's Whole Health program, emphasizing proactive health and wellness improvements for veterans. It seeks to provide affordable access to these services for all veterans, regardless of their priority group within the VA system.
Expected Effects
This bill, if enacted, would modify the copayment structure for Whole Health well-being services provided by the VA. It would generally prohibit copayments for these services, except for a potential monthly copayment not exceeding $30 for veterans in priority groups (6) and higher. Veterans in priority groups (1) through (5) would be exempt from any copayments for Whole Health services.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced healthcare costs for veterans, particularly those in lower priority groups.
- Increased access to Whole Health well-being services, promoting proactive health management.
- Potential for improved overall health and wellness among veterans.
- Encourages the VA to further develop and expand its Whole Health program.
- Simplifies the copayment process for veterans utilizing these services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increased costs to the VA due to reduced copayment revenue, possibly impacting other programs.
- The $30 monthly copayment could still be a burden for some veterans, even those in higher priority groups.
- The definition of "Whole Health well-being services" may be subject to interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in application.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing and managing the new copayment structure.
- The bill does not address the long-term funding or sustainability of the Whole Health program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of veterans. Specifically, the bill falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).