Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson’s (TX-03) Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act (H.R. 2514) as part of H.R. 3236.  Johnson’s bill would help veterans with service-connected disabilities save for, pay for, and access quality health care.  The passage of the Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act followed the House’s approval of H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act that would, in light of the VA wait-listing scandal, make it easier to fire bad VA employees.  

During debate on the House Floor, Congressman Johnson made the following statement regarding the Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act:

“As a 29-year Air Force veteran and former POW, it’s no secret I’m a proud advocate for America’s veterans.  They bravely served our country, and they deserve the best care when they return home.  Unfortunately, the Veteran’s Administration has failed to uphold its end of the bargain.  And we’ve been working hard to fix it.

“But to add insult to injury, the IRS – yes the IRS – has also let down our veterans.

“Right now, the IRS prohibits veterans from contributing to a health savings account for a period of time if they choose to get care at the VA.  These health savings accounts enable Americans to save and pay for medical expenses.  And yet here we have the IRS standing in the way of veterans… keeping them from getting the care they want, need and deserve.  That’s wrong!    

“Bottom-line, veterans shouldn’t have to choose between getting care at the VA for a service-connected disability or being able to save for health care, including for their families.  My bill would allow veterans to do both. 

“In closing I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their support.  I’d also like to thank the Chairman for working with me on this.  But most importantly, I want to personally thank each of our veterans who faithfully served to protect our Great Nation.   Let’s get this done.” 

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