WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced a bill to extend the age limit for coverage of veterans’ dependents through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) to the level set by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

“Thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, families with private health insurance coverage can keep their children on their plans until age 26.  Surely coverage for veterans’ family members in need should meet this new national standard,” said Senator Akaka. 

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CHAMPVA was established in 1973 to provide health care services to dependents and survivors of certain veterans.  CHAMPVA enrollment has grown over the years, and now covers over 336,000 unique beneficiaries.  Under the current law, dependent children lose eligibility for CHAMPVA at 23-years-old if they are full-time students, or 18-years-old if they are not. 

To read Senator Akaka’s introductory remarks and the text of the bill (S. 3801) in the Congressional Record, click here: LINK

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September 17, 2010