Braun
The bipartisan Korean American VALOR Act introduced by Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) passed the Senate and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
This legislation will allow the approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam War veterans that have since become naturalized American citizens to enroll in VA healthcare paid for by the South Korean government.
The House companion was led by Representative Mark Takano, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The bill passed the House of Representatives in May.
“This legislation guarantees that the men and women who bravely fought alongside U.S. troops and have become American citizens will have access to the care and benefits they deserve, paid for by the South Korean government,” Sen. Braun said.
Background
- Korea will reimburse the U.S. for healthcare services VA furnishes to Korean American veterans. In exchange, the U.S. will reimburse Korea for the healthcare it provides to veterans of the U.S. armed forces residing in Korea.
- The U.S. has established reciprocal agreements with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. Veterans from these nations do not need to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for care, and VA has the authority to treat veterans of any combat era.