On the recordApril 30, 2015
Today I am introducing the Enhancing Veterans Access to Treatment Act, legislation that eliminates bureaucratic hurdles so veterans using the VA can continue to receive the same lifesaving mental health medication they access while on Active Duty. Currently, the VA requires a veteran to switch their medication when that drug is not included in the VA's drug formulary, regardless if the drug is working. Instead, the VA will put the veteran on different medication and requires them to fail first before they are switched back, or the vet must go through an appeals process to remain on the current medication. Instead, this bill simply says, if it works, keep it. This bill allows seamless continuity of medication and leaves any decision to change up to the doctor. It is not enough to just have the DOD and VA share a limited medication list, because when it comes to psychotropic medication, the doctor needs to have available the full spectrum of choices. With 22 veterans dying each day by suicide, these veterans don't have time to wait to get their medication for their depression or anxiety. I ask all Members to please join me in cosponsoring the Enhancing Veterans Access to Treatment Act so we can solve this problem. ____________________
