H.R.2229 - No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2229, the "No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act," directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve veterans' ability to schedule mental health care appointments. Specifically, it mandates the Secretary to actively reschedule cancelled appointments for covered veterans, regardless of the cancellation method. This involves contacting the veteran by telephone, with at least two attempts to reschedule.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to ensure veterans receive timely mental health care by requiring the VA to proactively reschedule cancelled appointments. This could lead to improved mental health outcomes for veterans. It also places additional administrative burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to mental health care for veterans.
- Reduced risk of veterans being lost in the system after cancelling appointments.
- Proactive outreach from the VA to ensure continuity of care.
- Potential for better mental health outcomes and reduced suicide rates among veterans.
- Streamlined scheduling process for veterans seeking mental health services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Potential strain on VA resources due to increased phone calls and scheduling efforts.
- Possible delays in scheduling for other veterans if resources are diverted to rescheduling cancelled appointments.
- The bill does not address the underlying reasons for appointment cancellations, such as long wait times or lack of transportation.
- Limited scope, as it only addresses rescheduling and not initial access to mental health care.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to provide necessary care to veterans. Specifically, the Constitution in Article 1, Section 8 provides Congress with the power to provide for the general Welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).