Whole Health for Veterans Act

Summary#

This bill adds a new section to Title 38 of the U.S. Code to change how copayments work for VA Whole Health well-being services. It says the VA Secretary generally may not require copayments for these services, but may charge a monthly copayment for a veteran up to $30 per month. Veterans in priority groups 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 are exempt and may not be charged any copayment. The bill defines "Whole Health well-being services" to include educational and skill-building services (for example, Whole Health coaching, partner sessions, and education courses) and complementary and integrative health services used to promote well-being (for example, guided imagery, meditation, Tai Chi/Qigong, and yoga for well-being). The bill also states that Congress encourages further development of the VA Whole Health program and affordable access for all veterans.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a veteran in VA enrollment priority group 1–5: you would not pay any copayments for covered Whole Health well-being services under this bill.
  • If you are a veteran not in priority group 1–5: the VA could charge you a monthly copayment for Whole Health well-being services, but that copayment could not be more than $30 per month.
  • The rule applies to the services listed in the bill: Whole Health coaching and education, partner sessions, skill-building courses, and certain complementary practices like meditation, Tai Chi/Qigong, guided imagery, and yoga for well-being.

Expenses#

  • The bill sets a maximum monthly copayment amount ($30) and describes which veterans are exempt.
  • No publicly available information on the bill's total costs, savings, or effects on the VA budget or federal spending is included in the bill text provided.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill text says Congress encourages further development of the Whole Health program and that the VA should provide affordable access. Supporters, based on that language, view the change as improving access to Whole Health well-being services and making those services more affordable for veterans.

Opponents' View#

  • No publicly available information on opponents' views or stated objections is included in the bill text provided.