WASHINGTON — The United States House passed a bill Friday that would make the VA's pilot program for childcare a permanent program.
The Veterans' Access to Child Care Act, if passed by the Senate and signed by the President, will offer permanent childcare for veterans who are receiving regular mental health services, and other intensive health care services from the VA.
The legislation would make sure that childcare is not a barrier to veteran patients seeking care from the VA.
An act, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, required the VA to start a pilot childcare program. In a report to the 114th Congress, the VA reported that it has provided free childcare to 10,000 children. Veterans were “completely satisfied” with services received.
In the 115th Congress, the pilot program was extended through September 30, 2020.
Full bill below:
