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Reps. Susie Lee, Doug Collins, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jackie Walorski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Health Care Access for Veterans’ Newborns

May 9, 2019

Washington, DC—Ahead of Mother's Day, Democratic Representatives Susie Lee (NV-03) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) are joining with Republican Representatives Doug Collins (GA-09) and Jackie Walorski (IN-02) to give veterans--particularly mothers--more peace of mind by introducing the Newborn Care Improvement Act. This bipartisan bill will extend coverage of newborn health care for children of veterans. Currently, veterans are only eligible to receive 7 days of newborn care, after which they must find and sign up for health insurance for their newborn. This bill would double that available time to 14 days of care, providing additional time for veterans to find the best health coverage, especially during a high-stress period.

"Our women veterans deserve the best health care and maternal care for them and their families," said Lee. "Starting a family can be an overwhelming time for anyone, making it even more important to ensure our veterans have the resources and time they need to get the best maternal care. I'm proud to team up with Rep. Collins--who has been a leader on this issue for years, Rep. Houlahan, and Rep. Walorski to work across the aisle and introduce the Newborn Care Improvement Act and help improve the lives of our brave veterans and their families."

"Too often, new mothers receiving medical care from the VA face financial challenges and complex insurance decisions while seeking to obtain critical care for their newborns," said Collins. "Ensuring the VA expands care for the women who selflessly serve in our armed forces continues to be a priority for me, and I'm proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Newborn Care Improvement Act. This legislation will ease the burden on female veterans by doubling the length of time their newborns are eligible to receive medical care from the VA."

"As a veteran, I know all too well the challenges new veteran mothers face," said Houlahan. "No new mother should have to worry about where their newborn will receive care. I'm proud to work across the aisle and join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Newborn Care Improvement, a critical piece of legislation that will double the length of time veteran mothers' newborns can receive medical care at the VA. It is essential that we continue the necessary work to better support our brave women veterans and their families."

"Women who served our country with strength and courage deserve the best health care possible from the VA," said Walorski. "By improving care for newborns, this bipartisan bill will ensure women veterans get the support and care they need to raise healthy families."

Senators Klobuchar and Tillis introduced the companion bill in the Senate earlier this year.

Issues:Veterans