U.S. Representatives Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) last week introduced bipartisan legislation to improve health care coverage for newborn children of veterans. The Newborn Care Improvement Act would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide care for newborns for 14 days, doubling the current limit of seven days.
“Women who served our country with strength and courage deserve the best health care possible from the VA,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “By improving care for newborns, this bipartisan bill will ensure women veterans get the support and care they need to raise healthy families.”
“Our women veterans deserve the best health care and maternal care for them and their families,” said Lee. “Starting a family can be an overwhelming time for anyone, making it even more important to ensure our veterans have the resources and time they need to get the best maternal care. I’m proud to team up with Rep. Collins–who has been a leader on this issue for years, Rep. Houlahan, and Rep. Walorski to work across the aisle and introduce the Newborn Care Improvement Actand help improve the lives of our braves veterans and their families.”
“Too often, new mothers receiving medical care from the VA face financial challenges and complex insurance decisions while seeking to obtain critical care for their newborns,” said Collins. “Ensuring the VA expands care for the women who selflessly serve in our armed forces continues to be a priority for me, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Newborn Care Improvement Act. This legislation will ease the burden on female veterans by doubling the length of time their newborns are eligible to receive medical care from the VA.”
“As a veteran, I know all too well the challenges new veteran mothers face,” said Houlahan. “No new mother should have to worry about where their newborn will receive care. I’m proud to work across the aisle and join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Newborn Care Improvement, a critical piece of legislation that will double the length of time veteran mothers’ newborns can receive medical care at the VA. It is essential that we continue the necessary work to better support our brave women veterans and their families.”
BACKGROUND
The Newborn Care Improvement Act would allow the VA to provide 14 days of post-delivery care to the newborn child of a woman veteran who is receiving VA maternity care. The child must have been delivered in a VA facility or another facility with which VA has a contract for such services. Currently, such care may not be provided for more than seven days. The bill would also require a report to Congress on how many newborns receive care under this legislation.
Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate earlier this year.
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
