S. 3436: Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act

This bill, titled the Caring for Veterans and Strengthening National Security Act, aims to expand and enhance certain benefits for veterans, particularly those living in the Freely Associated States (FAS) such as the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Telehealth and Mail Order Pharmacy Benefits

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide telehealth benefits and mail order pharmacy services to veterans living in the Freely Associated States. This requirement must be implemented within one year after the bill becomes law. These services will help ensure that veterans have access to healthcare and medications without the need to travel long distances.

Beneficiary Travel

The bill changes the language around beneficiary travel payments. It stipulates that starting one year after the law is enacted, the Secretary must make payments for beneficiary travel expenses, rather than just having the option to do so. This provision aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on veterans who need to travel for medical appointments or services.

Quarterly Reports on Implementation

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit reports to Congress at least once a quarter. These reports will detail the implementation status of the new benefits and their associated costs. The information will be sent to the appropriate committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives that focus on veterans' affairs and appropriations.

Extension of Pension Payment Limits

The bill extends certain limits on the payments of veterans' pensions by changing the expiration date from January 31, 2033, to March 31, 2033. This extension is likely intended to provide continued support and stability for veterans relying on these pension payments.

Overall Impact

By introducing these changes, the bill seeks to improve access to healthcare services, enhance financial support for travel related to medical care, and ensure transparency and oversight through regular reporting on the implementation of these services.

Relevant Companies

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