Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Bost, would start a three-year test program where the VA gives grants to local non-profit clinics. These clinics would use the money to provide mental health services specifically designed for veterans, helping them get care outside of traditional VA hospitals.
• To get the money, clinics must have at least one staff member trained to understand the unique needs and culture of the military community. The goal is to make sure veterans feel understood and respected when they seek help for things like PTSD or depression.
• Veterans who visit these clinics will not have to pay any fees for the care they receive. The clinics are also forbidden from turning veterans away just because they do not have the right insurance or are not eligible for other government programs.
• The program would focus on helping veterans in rural areas, places with high suicide rates, or towns near military bases. Each clinic can receive up to $1.5 million per year, with a total of $20 million set aside for the program every year through 2027.
• Besides providing care, these local clinics will encourage veterans to sign up for the official VA healthcare system. This helps the government keep track of how many veterans need help and ensures they can access other benefits they earned through their service.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.