Graves Votes to Increase Veterans' Benefits

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves voted this week to improve access to healthcare for Missouri veterans in rural areas and to increase the cost of living adjustment in veterans' compensation. Graves voted for, and the House passed, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act and Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act.

"Our veterans have stood up for our country," Graves said. "Now is the time to stand up for them."

The Rural Veterans Access to Care Act provides broader coverage to VA patients living out-state Missouri. The bill aims to improve access to health care for veterans in rural areas. It would establish a three-year pilot program to allow "highly rural" veterans enrolled in four of the Veterans Administration's 21 health care networks, including VISN 15 covering most of Missouri, to receive covered health services through outside providers.

"Just because you live in a rural area, it shouldn't mean that your access to healthcare is limited," Graves said. "This bill will help to ensure that veterans in rural areas have the same access to care as those living in big cities."

The House also considered the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act. The bill increases compensation paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as dependent and indemnity compensation for families of deceased veterans. The increase will be calculated as of Sept. 30, 2008 and is expected to be around 2.8 percent. The new rate would take effect December 1.

"We must have a veterans' healthcare system that keeps up with the cost of living and provides all veterans access to care," Graves said. "Some might call this a routine bill, but our veterans and their families depend on it."

The Rural Veterans Access to Care Act was passed in the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act has passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the President.

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