Bilirakis: One Size Does Not Fit All for Veterans

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis, Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, today testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health about his bill, the Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) Act. Bilirakis' bipartisan legislation will establish a commission to examine VA's current therapy model and the potential benefits in incorporating complementary alternative therapies.

"While it is vital that Veterans receive the care they need, it is equally important to recognize that one size does not fit all when discussing treatments for Veterans. The invisible wounds they sustain serving our country are just as serious as physical ones. While many Veterans may thrive under traditional plans and medical care, some may not be as responsive. We need to provide Veterans with choices and easy access to alternative forms of therapies that work best for them," said Bilirakis.

"The COVER Act will ascertain the viability of alternative treatments, providing a pathway forward that will eventually allow Veterans to have a range of options for mental health treatments such as outdoor sports therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and service dog therapy."

You can view the Congressman's testimony here.