~ Bill would create parity for Native Hawaiian veterans by eliminating copays for VA health services and codifying the reimbursement relationship between VA and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems ~
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) reintroduced the Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act, legislation to improve the affordability of health care services for Native Hawaiian veterans. Among other things, the bill would eliminate copays for Native Hawaiian veterans for care received through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and would enable Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems to seek direct reimbursement from VA for care provided to Native Hawaiian veterans.
“Native Hawaiian veterans deserve access to quality, affordable health care that is tailored to the unique culture and needs of our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to lead our congressional delegation in the reintroduction of this bill to expand the affordability and access of health care services provided to Native Hawaiian veterans, while also creating parity for Native Hawaiian vets in alignment with the benefits that American Indian and Alaska Native veterans already receive. I am grateful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country.”
“Native Hawaiian veterans shouldn’t be treated differently than other veterans after their years of selfless service to our country,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill would make health care more affordable and more accessible for them, which is exactly what they deserve.”
“Native Hawaiian veterans courageously served and sacrificed for their country but are not being offered the same benefits as their American Indian and Alaska Native counterparts,” said Rep. Tokuda. “That’s why I am proud to reintroduce this important bill that will allow direct reimbursement to Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and eliminate copays, providing equal access to care and services. This bill is not just about fairness—it’s about fulfilling our nation’s commitment to all veterans and ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve.”
“Veterans of Native Hawaiian ancestry have unique challenges in accessing the health care they are owed as a result of specific heath impacts, lack of knowledge of benefits and inaccessibility to care,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01). “Our measure would tailor health care delivery to Native Hawaiians by the providers that know them and that they know best, such as the Native Hawaiian Health Care systems.”
In 2023, copays were eliminated for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans receiving health care and urgent care through VA. Additionally, Indian Health Service (IHS)/Tribal Health Programs or IHS-funded Urban Indian Organizations providing care to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are currently able to seek direct reimbursement from the VA for care rendered. The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act would create parity for Native Hawaiian veterans by eliminating copays and codifying the same reimbursement relationship between VA and the Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems. The bill would also change the statutory definition of Native Hawaiian under Title 38 to better reflect the current relationship VA has with Native Hawaiian veterans.
The Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems aims to improve the health of Native Hawaiians living in Hawaii by advocating, initiating, and maintaining culturally appropriate strategic actions aimed at improving physical, mental and spiritual health. There are five systems, each serving different islands, that offer a range of health care and other services, including primary care, mental health, and fitness programs.
The full text of the legislation is available here.
###