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Bilirakis Reiterates Need for Alternative Treatments for Veterans

June 22, 2017

Washington, D.C. – At a key subcommittee hearing on the president's budget request for the Veterans Health Administration, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vice Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, reiterated the need for an increased focus on alternative treatments for Veterans. Bilirakis questioned Dr. Poonam Alaigh, VHA's Acting Undersecretary for Health, on what the VA is doing to ensure Veterans have access to a range of health treatments, like service dog therapy, sports therapy, and more.

"Alternative therapies mean our Veterans are empowered with more options to find the care that works best for them. I'm glad the VA is examining evidence-based alternative therapies as a holistic approach to treating Veterans, particularly those dealing with severe pain and opioid addiction. Our Veterans deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach to their health care, and with my COVER Act, along with the Administration's efforts, we can make alternative therapies more accessible," said Bilirakis.

Bilirakis authored the COVER Act, a law which establishes a VA commission to examine the benefits of the alternative therapies. Click HERE for more details about today's hearing.

Issues:Veterans