Bill > S1853

This bill aims to improve veterans' benefits for Native Hawaiians by making two key modifications to existing law. First, the bill updates the definition of eligibility for direct housing loans by referencing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, which will help clarify and potentially expand housing loan access for Native Hawaiian veterans. Second, the bill enhances medical care provisions by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse Native Hawaiian health care systems for veterans' medical services, regardless of how those services are delivered (directly, through purchased care, or via travel contracts). Additionally, the bill exempts Native Hawaiians from certain cost-sharing requirements for medical care, using the definition of Native Hawaiian from the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act. These changes are intended to address historical disparities and improve healthcare and housing support for Native Hawaiian veterans by ensuring they have more equitable access to VA benefits and services.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1853/all-info