This Week: Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Bill Vote and 2015 Planning Meetings

Not a subscriber? Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 Healthopolis Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 | Roll Call Home » This Week: Veterans’ Suicide Prevention Bill Vote and 2015 Planning Meetings  By Paul Jenks The House today is slated to vote on a military and veterans' suicide-prevention bill (HR 203). The measure includes a requirement for an annual third-party review of VA and Defense Department mental health and suicide-prevention programs and amends the rules for reviewing discharges of military service members diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorders. The bill came close to final passage in December and the repackaged version will likely sail through House and Senate votes. Lawmakers will also vote on a bill (HR 33) exempting emergency services volunteers from employer health coverage mandate requirements. Full story Public Option Bill Hides Amid Health Law Adjustment Measures  By Paul Jenks Much of new health care legislation introduced so far this year addresses some aspect of adjusting, cutting or repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act. The bills are spurred by the new Republican majority in the Senate, which offers a more receptive pathway for some of the health overhaul adjustment measures. However, not all of the new health law adjustment measures seek to limit the law or are likely to gain the attention of GOP leaders. One particular bill adds a pivotal option to health plans offered on health insurance exchanges. Full story Severe Flu Season Prompts Antiviral Recommendation