December 18, 2020

Dear Friend,

I have some great news. The House passed my bill, the VA Newborn Emergency Treatment Act, as part of a sweeping set of veterans reforms that are now headed to the President’s desk awaiting his signature.  My bill requires the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to cover the costs of medically necessary transportation, including ambulance rides, for newborn children of women veterans, closing an unnecessary gap in coverage.

This bipartisan bill ensures that women veterans aren’t faced with surprise medical bills in caring for their newborn babies in the event of a medical emergency. 

As a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have been working with Republicans and Democrats to make sure our veterans receive the benefits and care they’ve earned through their service to our country. As a father myself, I am aware of the stress and economic burden that can accompany the birth of a child. Improving care for children born to women veterans is something that is personal to me, and I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make this common sense legislation a reality. 

The VA Newborn Emergency Treatment Act does the following:

• Ensures that qualified newborns get access to VA covered medical care
• Expands the seven days of VA provided newborn medical care (through a waiver process) for a medically necessary extension
• Streamlines billing process to remove unnecessary burdens on veterans
• Waives any outstanding debts associated with medically-necessary emergency transportation services for a newborn incurred by the veteran

I remain committed to improving access to care and expanding opportunities for our nation’s veterans. Earlier this year, I helped secure the new Garland VA Medical Center, which is now open and serving North Texas veterans. If you or someone you know needs assistance with the VA, give my office a call (972) 972-7949, we can help. 

It is my honor to serve the 32nd District of Texas, where I was born and raised.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

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