WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50) and Brad Finstad (MN-1) introduced bipartisan legislation to build an online application process for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, CHAMPVA, the health insurance plan that provides coverage to a spouse, widow(er), or child of a disabled or deceased veteran. Currently, applicants can only apply for the program through fax or standard mail service. By streamlining the process and eliminating those barriers, individuals will no longer find themselves susceptible to lapses in coverage. The CHAMP VA Online Act would require VA to establish an online website to submit CHAMPVA applications (in addition to mail or fax) and promote the use of this website to eligible individuals.

“CHAMP is an important benefit that eligible individuals and family members in San Diego rely on. Ensuring their care and health coverage is accessible through efficient mediums is how America can keep its promise to our nation’s heroes,” said Rep Peters. “We need to knock down barriers to care and end delays in benefits enrollment so people can access the care they have earned. Congress should pass this commonsense reform immediately.”

“Our permanently disabled veterans and fallen servicemembers deserve to have the peace of mind knowing that their families have access to the benefits and care they have earned for them,” said Rep. Finstad. “I am proud to join Rep. Peters in introducing this bipartisan legislation, which will modernize the CHAMPVA program with a streamlined online application process and make the CHAMPVA program more accessible, and more efficient so veteran families do not have to jump through unnecessary hoops to obtain benefits that are rightfully theirs.”

“THE CHAMPVA Program is a lifeline for the eligible families of disabled and deceased veterans seeking medical coverage. However, accessing this vital VA benefit remains out of grasp for far too many,” said Joy Ilem, DAV National Legislative Director. “The CHAMPVA Online Act would ensure that VA lowers the barrier to this crucial benefit by leveraging the technology we use in our everyday lives. These families have served and sacrificed alongside their veterans, and DAV is proud to support this legislation. We thank Reps. Scott Peters and Brad Finstad for his leadership.”

"Since our inception, The American Legion has prioritized helping veterans, and their families receive the quality health care they need,” said Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, American Legion National Commander. “On behalf of our nearly 1.7 million members, we applaud Congressman Peters and Congressman Finstad for introducing the CHAMPVA Online Act – which will vastly increase timely access to the care veterans and their families deserve.”

A one-pager on the legislation can be found here.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

###