Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-La.) this week cosponsored legislation that would entitle all veterans to the care they deserve at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities throughout the United States.  H.R. 463, the Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Steven Rothman (D-NJ) and Rodney Alexander (R-La.), would lift the freeze on the enrollment of “Priority 8” veterans in the VA health care system.  

“Keeping our promise to America’s veterans should be a priority for every Member of Congress, regardless of party affiliation,” Boustany said.  “Unfortunately, too many combat veterans who have served our Nation honorably have been shut out of the VA healthcare system.  This bill will give them the access they are entitled to.”

According to recent data from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), more than 273,000 “Priority 8” veterans who applied for healthcare in 2006 were turned away from VA facilities.  Priority 8 veterans are those who do not receive monetary compensation for service connected disabilities and whose incomes exceed a nationally imposed VA income threshold of $26,902.

Current law allows returning combat veterans a two-year window to enroll for VA health care.  If returning veterans fail to enroll during that time period they may find themselves shut out of VA health care due to the Priority 8 enrollment ban.  The Honor Our Commitment to Veterans Act seeks to reverse the enrollment ban.