Bipartisan Stop Copay Overpay Act introduced by Reschenthaler

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) last week signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to ensure that America’s military service members, veterans and their families may access affordable mental or behavioral health care.

The Stop Copay Overpay Act, H.R. 4824, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), would limit copayments for outpatient visits for such health care under TRICARE, which is the federal healthcare program for all uniformed service members, retirees and their families across the globe.

“As a Navy veteran and co-chair of the Military Mental Health Taskforce, I am proud to join with Rep. Houlahan to introduce the Stop Copay Overpay Act,” Rep. Reschenthaler said on July 29. “By limiting the rising costs of copayments for mental health care under TRICARE, this bipartisan legislation will ensure our brave military men and women receive the care they deserve.”

High copays may deter individuals, especially retirees on a fixed income, from seeking or continuing mental or behavioral health care, according to information provided by Rep. Reschenthaler’s office, which noted that in 2018, such copays nearly doubled when mental health care was classified as specialty care.

The Military Officers Association of America and the National Military Family Association endorsed the measure, which has been referred to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee for consideration.

“The past year has been an incredibly difficult time for so many Americans, particularly in the veteran community,” said Rep. Houlahan. “Struggles with mental health saw a dramatic increase, and it’s crucial that our veterans and their families have access to affordable mental health care. I’m proud to partner with fellow veteran Rep. Reschenthaler to introduce our Stop Copay Overpay Act.”