Area Congressman Adam Gray’s STRIVE Act to limit copay costs for veterans at VA health clinics passed with unanimous consent out of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in late July. The bill was recommended favorably by a voice vote, with no opposition from any member of the committee. The committee’s vote renders the bill eligible to be brought to the House Floor for a vote.

“The committee’s vote confirms what we already know: our veterans shouldn’t have to wait for relief,” said Congressman Gray following the vote. “This bill is an effort to correct a historic wrong. Our veterans should never be on the hook for costs incurred through no fault of their own. The STRIVE Act would increase accountability at the VA and eliminate a barrier between veterans and the care and benefits they deserve.”

The STRIVE Act was passed via unanimous consent during the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs July 23 markup. If enacted, the bill would prevent the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs from collecting copays from veterans (“first party copays”) in instances where the collection delay is due to a fault of the Department (such as a pause in collections, IT outage or a VA employee administrative error). This would apply to copays that are billed for care that is over two years old or exceed $2,000.

Congressman Gray represents California’s 13th Congressional District, spanning the San Joaquin Valley. Visit gray.house.gov for more information.