Press Releases

Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement on veterans’ health care under the American Health Care Act:

“I am dedicated to ensuring our nation’s heroes have access to the quality health care they have earned,” said Chairman Roe. “The American Health Care Act protects veterans’ health care—any claims to the contrary are false—and I encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop fear mongering. The simple fact is that an attempt to make an existing regulation the law of the land was found to be in violation of the Senate’s reconciliation rules, so that language had to be removed. Nothing in this bill would change the existing regulation, and veterans’ access to tax credits will not be affected by the American Health Care Act. As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will always fight to ensure veterans have access to quality health care services and coverage, and I would strongly oppose any measure that would harm veterans’ health care. I am proud to support the American Health Care Act, and I look forward to working with President Trump, his administration and my colleagues in Congress to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve.”

Background: Existing Internal Revenue Service regulations clearly state that veterans who are enrolled in VA health care meet minimum coverage requirements, meaning they are not eligible for tax credits under existing law. However, if a veteran is not enrolled in VA health care, even if they are eligible but have chosen not to enroll, they are eligible for tax credits to purchase coverage. The American Health Care Act makes no change to this regulation and eligibility.

The Department of Treasury testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs that this regulation, which the American Health Care Act does not change, will protect veterans’ health care.  

Chairman Roe also spoke on the floor in support of the American Health Care Act. You can watch his remarks here.