Bill · H.R. 9433· House(119-HR-9433)
VA Coaching into Care Act
- Introduced
- 6/24/2026
- Last activity
- 6/30/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Timothy Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "VA Coaching into Care Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program. The program involves a toll-free hotline designed to provide mental and behavioral health support to the friends and families of veterans. This hotline will be staffed by Department of Veterans Affairs employees, specifically psychologists and social workers. These providers will offer advice on discussing mental health with veterans and provide referrals to various programs or entities. The Secretary must also conduct outreach through service organizations and various Department facilities. The pilot program is set to last for three years before terminating.
Yes
Does this make mental health care easier to get?+7
The bill establishes a toll-free hotline staffed by professionals to provide mental and behavioral health advice and referrals.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The bill creates a new pilot program to support the mental health needs of veterans' families and friends.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
The program supports the stability of veterans' social networks by providing mental health guidance to their families.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Professional Support: The program establishes a toll-free hotline staffed by licensed psychologists and social workers to provide mental and behavioral health support to eligible recipients (Section 2(a), Section 2(b)).
-
Guidance for Families: Eligible recipients, such as family members, friends, or those living with a veteran, can receive specific advice on how to discuss mental and behavioral health topics with a veteran (Section 2(b)(2)(A), Section 2(f)).
-
Resource Connections: The hotline will provide appropriate referrals to Department programs or non-Department entities that offer mental health services or resources (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
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Increased Awareness through Outreach: The Secretary is required to provide information to service organizations and distribute promotional materials like flyers and posters in Vet Centers or medical facilities to ensure people know about the service (Section 2(c)(1), Section 2(c)(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Duration of Support: The program is a pilot that is scheduled to terminate three years after it is established (Section 2(e)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+5
- 6/30/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 6/29/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Daniel GoldmanDemocrat · New York
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan