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Managing America: Veterans Affairs

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Week Ending June 26, 2009

H.R.1211 To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and improve health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

The Secretary of the VA is directed to study barriers to the provision of healthcare encountered by women veterans and assess all health care services and programs for women. An assessment of VA health services to women is also directed. Under the bill the VA would provide graduate education, training and certification for mental health professionals who provide counseling, care, and services to women veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. A pilot program of child care for certain women veterans receiving healthcare at VA facilities is also required.

A woman veteran giving birth will receive hospital care and medical services for the newborn for up to 14 days after birth.

The bill also directs that women veterans recently separated from the service will be included on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and recently separated minority women veterans will be included on the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.

There are 1.7 million women veterans equaling 7% of the 25 million veterans today and the amount of women veterans is expected to double in five years. The VA is currently studying a sample group of 3500 women veterans. The more comprehensive study would include specialized programs for women with PTSD, homeless women, women with substance abuse or mental illness problems and women who require OB-GYN care.

“CBO estimates that about 6,600 babies would become eligible for such care in 2010 at an average cost of $2,770 per baby. After adjusting for inflation and population growth--the number of female veterans of childbearing age is expected to rise in future years--CBO estimates that implementing this provision would cost $102 million over the 2010-2014 period.”

Sponsor:  Rep. Stephanie Sandlin (SD)

Vote: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 - 0 (Roll no. 421).

Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $160 million over the 2010-2014 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized and estimated amounts. Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues.”

Earmark Certification:   “H.R. 1211 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.”

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