Noteboom The Law Firm

Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act Passes House

April 30, 2010 - The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (CVOHSA) or S. 1963, which will strengthen veterans' health care services overwhelmingly passed the House with a vote of 419 to 0. The Act is anticipated to pass the Senate as well.

The CVOHSA will provide vital services to veterans and their dependants should it be signed into law. Passing the CVOHSA is only the latest step in how Congress is choosing to honor military veterans by guaranteeing they are given every benefit they deserve. The Omnibus Health Services Act will:

• Enhance health care services for caregivers of wounded veterans;
• Expand care for female veterans;
• Improve mental health services; and
• Increase access to health care for veterans in rural areas.

 The Act makes specific provisions for caregivers of severely or permanently disabled veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It attempts to compensate as many hardships as possible befalling caregivers and family members providing long term care, including:

• Education on being a better caregiver;
• Counseling and mental health services;
• Respite care for family and caregivers of veterans;
• Health care and stipends.

 The Act also seeks to improve health care for approximately 2 million female veterans to include providing care for female veterans' newborns. Additionally The Omnibus Health Services Act improves rural access to care, progresses mental health treatment, and gives the VA the ability to study veteran suicide rates.

The CVOHSA makes many provisions for veterans in areas where they are drastically needed. There are many progressive actions included in the Act and if it becomes law, we may very well be looking at the VA of tomorrow.