Bilirakis: Time to get Our Veterans COVERed

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, today introduced H.R. 271, the Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) Act, bipartisan legislation that will establish a commission to examine VA's current therapy model and the potential benefits in incorporating complementary alternative therapies.

"It is vital that Veterans receive the care they need, but it is important to recognize that one size does not fit all when discussing treatments for Veterans and the invisible wounds endured from their service to our great nation. While many Veterans may thrive under evidence-based treatment plans, some may not be as responsive to this traditional medical care. As such, we need to provide them with choices and easy access to alternative forms of therapies that work best for them," said Bilirakis.

"We must find the most effective ways to treat Veterans. 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."