Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

Hozzl · 2023-05-11T15:45:15Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1585 Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

5/11/2023, 3:45 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1585

Bill 117 HR 1585, also known as the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, aims to provide healthcare benefits to veterans who participated in nuclear testing and cleanup operations during the Cold War era. The bill is named after former Congressman Mark Takai, who was a strong advocate for veterans' rights.

The legislation seeks to address the disparity in healthcare coverage for atomic veterans compared to other veterans who were exposed to radiation during their service. Currently, atomic veterans must prove a direct link between their exposure to radiation and their health conditions in order to receive healthcare benefits. This burden of proof can be difficult to meet, leading to many atomic veterans being denied the care they need.

The Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act would streamline the process for atomic veterans to receive healthcare benefits by presuming that their exposure to radiation during their service is linked to their health conditions. This would ensure that atomic veterans receive the same level of care and support as other veterans who were exposed to radiation. Overall, the bill aims to honor the service and sacrifice of atomic veterans by providing them with the healthcare benefits they deserve. It is a bipartisan effort to ensure that all veterans receive the care and support they need, regardless of the circumstances of their service.

Congressional Summary of HR 1585

Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers.

Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 1585

Bill HR 1585 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 3, 2021. Bill HR 1585 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 3, 2021. Bill HR 1585's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of April 29, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1585

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

256

Democrat Cosponsors

222

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1585

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

CancerMarshall IslandsNuclear weaponsRadiationVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1585

Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity ActTo amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the treatment of veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the presumption of service-connection of certain disabilities by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act

Start holding our government accountable!