Washington, D.C. –  Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson’s (TX-03) Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act (H.R. 2514) was signed into law as part of H.R. 3236, which passed the House earlier this week on Wednesday.  The Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act, which Johnson reintroduced May 21, 2015, helps veterans with service-connected disabilities save for, pay for, and access quality health care. 

“America’s veterans deserve the best care when they return home after bravely serving our country,” said Johnson.  “But unfortunately the IRS has been a major road block for veterans, as well as their families, because the IRS is prohibiting veterans from contributing to a health savings account for a period of time if they choose to get care at the VA.  Veterans shouldn’t be put between a rock and hard place when it comes to saving for and receiving health care for service-connected disabilities.  On behalf of our veterans I am pleased this common-sense solution, the Help Veterans Save for Health Care Act, is now law.  Veterans can rest assured that I will continue to be an advocate on their behalf in Washington.”

Raymond Kelley, Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Director, praised Johnson’s effort, stating, “The Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act is a significant step towards addressing a detrimental inequity in current law.  This legislation would ensure veterans who utilize their earned VA benefits for service-connected health care are not precluded from saving for future health care needs.  The VFW applauds Congressman Johnson for his leadership in addressing this important issue.”

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