WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) cosponsored three bills this week to strengthen the care America offers its veterans. The Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act and the Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act would improve access to critical mental health services, and the Military and Caregiver Services Improvement Act would ensure family caregivers have the support they need to provide for wounded veterans.

“For many veterans, the trauma of combat does not end when they return home,” Senator Coons said. “Our veterans deserve the best medical care available, but far too often, veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other psychological impacts slip through the cracks. Every day, our nation loses more than 20 veterans to suicide, and many more struggle to cope with untreated mental illnesses. These wounds are treatable, and these tragedies preventable. Congress must act to expand mental heath services for veterans and ensure all service members receive the timely, comprehensive care they need. Together, these bills would take important steps toward strengthening our approach to mental health care and fulfilling our commitment to all who bravely serve our nation.”  

The Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, S.2182, aims to reduce the number of veterans — now estimated at 22 per day — who tragically take their own lives. Among other things, the bipartisan bill would:

  • Extend special combat eligibility from 5 to 15 years, providing troops and veterans with access to care for an additional 10 years. 
  • Increase the number of mental health professionals at the VA by repaying medical school loans for psychiatrists who commit to long-term service in the VA.
  • Improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs by demanding an annual review of care programs within DOD and the VA to ensure resources are effectively combatting the problem of veteran suicide.
  • Ensure seamless care and greater collaboration between the VA and DOD by putting a timeline on the National Defense Authorization Act mandate to make all DOD and VA records electronic.
  • Establish a common drug formulary between DOD and the VA.  The SAV Act requires DOD and the VA to adopt the same drug formulary for prescription medication to ensure treatment is consistent. 

The Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act of 2014, S. 2231, would improve the military’s assessment and treatment of mental health issues by instituting mental health screenings for all service members. The bipartisan bill would:

  • Require a mental health screening upon entry and separation from military service.
  • Require a report on DOD’s ability to provide electronic medical records of separating service members. 
  • Create a more comprehensive and holistic approach to mental health assessments in the military and remove some of the barriers to effective care. 

The Military and Caregiver Services Improvement Act, S. 2243, increases federal support for those who provide care to wounded servicemembers and veterans. This legislation would:

  • Expand eligibility for the VA family caregivers program by incorporating a wider array of needs that may require caregiving, placing greater emphasis on mental health injuries, and removing restrictions on who is eligible to become a caregiver.
  • Expand services to caregivers including eligibility for VA child care programs, financial advice, and legal counseling, addressing some of the top needs of family caregivers.
  • Allow the federal government to meet the unique needs of employees who are caregivers with flexible work arrangements so they can stay employed while caring for their loved one.

This week, in response to reports that certain VA Medical Centers used a recordkeeping gimmick to disguise backlogs in patient treatment – resulting in the deaths of up to 40 veterans in Phoenix – Senator Coons wrote to the head of the Wilmington VA Medical Center seeking assurances that Delaware veterans are not being subjected to the same misconduct. Read his letter here: http://1.usa.gov/1lGHbtp

A member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Coons also voted Thursday for legislation that would fund a nationwide investigation of alleged scheduling misconduct at the VA. The military construction/veterans affairs appropriations bill will also fund work to reduce the backlog in disability claims at the VA, and increases funding for repairs to veterans’ long-term care facilities, including the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford. Read more here: http://1.usa.gov/1t05lD7