Chairman Takano Introduces Remove Copays Act

Press Release

Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif) introducedH.R. 7589, the Reduce and Eliminate Mental Health Outpatient Veteran Copays Act or REMOVE Copays Act. This legislation will remove the financial barrier to VA mental healthcare for enrolled veterans by eliminating all copays for a veteran's first three outpatient mental health appointments each year. This bill is part of a larger push by the Biden-Harris Administration to increase access to mental healthcare for all Americans and was specifically requested in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Fiscal Year 2023 budget request. This legislation has the strong support of 15 Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and mental health advocacy groups, including American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, The American Legion, American Psychological Association, Association of VA Psychologist Leaders, Disabled American Veterans, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Foundation for Women Warriors, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Minority Veterans of America, Modern Military Association of America, Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project. See full bill text here and additional mental health resources available for veterans here.

"Cost should never be a barrier to accessing vital VA mental healthcare. That's why I'm introducing the REMOVE Copays Act," said Chairman Takano. "This legislation will eliminate copays for a veteran's first three outpatient mental health appointments at VA each year--a simple step that will increase access to lifesaving mental healthcare for our nation's veterans. I was pleased to see the White House make similar requests to agencies across the federal government in this year's budget request and grateful that our Committee can be among the first to turn it into legislation, so VA can continue to be a leader in this space. I hope my colleagues will join the 15 Veterans Service Organizations and mental health advocacy groups in supporting this critical legislation and quickly send it to President Biden's desk."

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