Chairman Michaud, Ranking Member Miller, thank you for holding this important hearing today. AMVETS is pleased to provide our views on pending health care legislation.

AMVETS wholly supports draft legislation that would prohibit the collection of copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled. As co-authors of the Independent Budget, AMVETS believes that the hardship endured by a catastrophic injury or disease is devastating to the veterans and the family left responsible for care. Waiving copayments for these veterans and their families can help alleviate the financial burden assumed by the need for specialized assistance. Veterans enrolled in health care eligibility category 4 should be exempt from all health-care copayments and fees.

AMVETS supports draft legislation that would grant greater authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide counseling for family members of veterans receiving non-service connected treatment. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides counseling and training to family members only if the veteran is receiving hospital care or if the services were rendered during the veteran’s hospitalization and continuation is necessary in order to permit discharge from the medical facility. This legislation would remove those two stipulations. AMVETS supports any family services, including counseling, that will help alleviate problems experienced by veterans.

AMVETS also supports the “Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008”. This legislation seeks to modify and update provisions relating to nonprofit research and education corporations operating within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Currently these research and education corporations provide on-site administration of research entirely dedicated to VA researchers and educators. They prepare and submit research proposals, hire lab technicians and study coordinators to work on projects, procure supplies and equipment, and monitor VA approvals. Having these corporations benefits veterans by increasing the resources available to support VA research programs and education. They serve as a vital tool to improving the quality of healthcare being rendered to veterans in VA facilities.

This legislation provides for voluntary sharing of each corporation among two or more VA medical centers, or “multi-medical center research corporations”. Accountability is maintained by requiring a center director from each facility serves on the Board of Directors. It also clarifies the legal status of these corporations as a private 501 (c)(3) overseen by the VA.

Different interpretation of the language and intent of Congress in creating these corporations has necessitated clarification through this bill. Gaps in authority restrict their capacity to fully support VA research and education. This bill will resolve these matters and strengthen the service to VA research.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony.  I will be happy to answer any questions regarding our opinion on these matters.