On the recordMarch 22, 2013
I rise on behalf of amendment No. 537. First of all, I thank Senator Coons and Senator Heller for cosponsoring this amendment. It would allow the children under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, otherwise known as CHAMP-VA, to remain eligible for coverage until their 26th birthday. These children are the children of veterans who have been rated permanently and totally disabled and children of veterans who have died from a service-connected disability or service- connected disease. With the enactment of the Affordable Health Care Act, children up to 26 years of age can now be covered on their parents' health insurance if they are unable to receive health insurance from their employers. In contrast to private insurance plans, or TRICARE, children under the CHAMP-VA program are only eligible for coverage until age 18 or 23 if they are a full-time enrolled student. This amendment is offered on their behalf to allow them to be on the CHAMP-VA program up to age 26. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama?
