ICYMI : Gus Bilirakis Calls for More Choices in VA Therapy

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the vice chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, testified in front of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on Wednesday about giving veterans more medical choices. Bilirakis showcased his "Creating Options for Veterans' Expedited Recovery (COVER) Act" in his testimony which includes alternative therapies in VA care.

"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," Bilirakis said. "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.

"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," Bilirakis added.

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