Released 7/20/23 | Tags:
NVLSP Joins Petition for Rulemaking To Ensure VA implementation of Anti-Discrimination Provisions of ACA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2023
ARLINGTON, VA —Today, the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) joined several other veterans service organizations and civil rights organizations in calling on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promulgate a regulation to ensure the VA implements the anti-discrimination provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for VA-provided health care. The petitioners ask that VA explicitly prohibit discrimination in VA health care on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any combination thereof. The petition also highlights the particular need for anti-discrimination policies in VA health care related to sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
“The Affordable Care Act outlines clear and equitable measures to ensure all who go to the VA receive the health care they are entitled to receive without fear of discrimination of any kind,” said NVLSP Director of Litigation Renee Burbank. “Our united support with other veterans service organizations and civil rights organizations underscores the importance of fair and unprejudiced treatment for all the veterans, servicemembers and their families who served our country.”
Minority Veterans of America led the petition, with pro bono representation by the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at Yale Law School.
About NVLSP
The National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1981. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 22 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVLSP has represented veterans in lawsuits that compelled enforcement of the law where the VA or other military services denied benefits to veterans in violation of the law. NVLSP’s success in these lawsuits has resulted in more than $5.4 billion dollars being awarded in disability, death and medical benefits to hundreds of thousands of veterans and their survivors. NVLSP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the VA, military discharge review agencies and federal courts. For more information go to www.nvlsp.org.
Media contact:
For NVLSP: Patty Briotta, office 202-621-5698 or email: patty@nvlsp.org