Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today, many dependent children of veterans who 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. CHAMPVA enrollment has grown steadily over the years and, as of fiscal year 2009, covers more than 336,000 beneficiaries. Under the current law, a dependent child loses eligibility for CHAMPVA upon turning 18-years-old, unless the child is enrolled in school on a full-time basis. After losing full-time status at school, or upon turning 23-years-old, an eligible child of a veteran would lose eligibility. The landmark health care reform act that was enacted into law last year includes a provision that requires private health insurance to cover dependent children until age 26. 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. Beneficiaries are already being cut off from coverage.…”