Military veterans’ payments on their monthly healthcare billing statements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should be delayed further due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) said.
Most recently, the VA extended a Dec. 31 hold on monthly patient billing statements for veterans’ healthcare costs until January 2021. Veterans now have started to receive notifications of their statements for medical bills that have accumulated over the last eight-month hold period, according to a Dec. 16 letter Sen. Ernst sent to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.
“While these statements do not require payment until 2021, many veterans who are receiving such statements have not experienced an improvement in their financial situations since April, and are simply not prepared to pay the accumulated charge,” Sen. Ernst wrote. “Additionally, I have heard concerns from veterans in Iowa who have not received information from the VA regarding what options may be available to those who are experiencing continued financial hardship.”
In light of the direct impact this policy has on the nation’s veterans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Ernst requested that the VA further delay the payment hold for an additional six months through July 2021.
“During these challenging times, I also urge your department to proactively notify veterans of payment plan options, or any other assistance that may be available to them, and ensure that all help call lines are fully staffed and operational,” she told Secretary Wilkie in her letter.
Acknowledging that the VA has acted to help relieve some of the financial burdens for America’s veterans during the pandemic, Sen. Ernst said in a statement that it’s critical the relief be extended. “Our veterans sacrificed to defend our nation and our freedom, and it’s vital that we make sure they get the support they need during these difficult times,” she said.