Daniel Akaka: “Today, many dependent children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability…”

“Today, many dependent children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability or who died in the line of duty are no longer being covered by their health insurance program. I am introducing important legislation that would make a critical adjustment to current eligibility requirements for children who receive health care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs program. CHAMPVA was established in 1973 within the Veterans Administration to provide health care services to dependents and survivors of our Nation's veterans. I believe it is only fair to afford children who are CHAMPVA beneficiaries the same eligibility as dependent children whose parents have private sector coverage.”