Bill · S. 4217· Senate(119-S-4217)
Copay Fairness for Veterans Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/26/2026
- Last activity
- 3/26/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Tammy Duckworth
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act of 2026 aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code. This legislation seeks to eliminate copayments by the Department of Veterans Affairs for preventive health services and related medicines. The changes apply to medications, hospital care, nursing home care, walk-in care, and care for survivors and dependents. It also updates definitions for immunizations and includes a specific list of preventive care, screenings, and contraceptive services. These amendments are scheduled to take effect 180 days after the Act is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
The bill directly improves the financial and medical accessibility of preventive care for veterans and their dependents.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+9
The bill significantly improves veterans' benefits by eliminating copayments for preventive health services, hospital care, and nursing home care.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+8
The bill improves access to preventive care, screenings, and contraceptive services by removing financial barriers for veterans.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill eliminates copayments for veterans, which increases the financial obligation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Elimination of Medication Costs: Veterans will no longer have to pay copayments for medication that is or part of preventive health services, including over-the-counter medication (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Cost Savings on Hospital and Nursing Care: Veterans will not be held liable for amounts related to preventive health services received during hospital care or nursing home care (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Access to Walk-in Care: Eligible veterans will not be required to pay a copayment for preventive health services provided through walk-in care (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Support for Survivors and Dependents: Individuals covered under specific subsections will not be required to pay a copayment for preventive health services (Section 2(a)(4)).
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Expanded Definitions of Preventive Care: The bill expands what qualifies as preventive care to include evidence-based items or services with certain ratings or professional recommendations (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Specific Coverage for Essential Services: The bill ensures that preventive care includes specific screenings for various conditions, counseling, breastfeeding services and supplies, and various forms of contraception (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not list any specific sections or provisions that result in negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+9Good For Women+7Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Seniors+5Good For Middle Class Households+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+7Improves Opioid Crisis Response+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+9
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+6Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- 3/26/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine