Urges Congress and Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce funding for ambulance services for veterans.
Impact
The resolution articulates significant concerns regarding proposed cuts to ambulance service funding, which could drastically affect veterans' access to crucial medical transportation. With the average ambulance bill ranging from $400 to $600, any reductions in reimbursement rates from the VA could lead to insurmountable financial barriers for veterans, potentially resulting in their avoidance of necessary medical care. This issue is particularly pressing for veterans living in rural areas, where the likelihood of ambulance services becoming unaffordable increases.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 13, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, urgently appeals to Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to maintain funding for ambulance services essential for veterans. The resolution highlights the historical context of this funding, noting that since 1984, the VA has provided reimbursements for ambulance services during medical emergencies. Given that New Jersey is home to over 338,000 veterans, many of whom rely on these services, the urgency of this appeal is underscored.
Contention
It is stated that should the financial responsibility for ambulance services shift from the federal government to state and local entities, it could lead to a deterioration of services, especially in rural contexts where hospital closures have become increasingly common. The resolution asserts that these cuts reflect a departure from the military principle of leaving no one behind, thereby jeopardizing the well-being of thousands of veterans reliant on these services.
Notable_points
The resolution aims to notify key stakeholders by sending copies to various federal leaders, emphasizing a collective call for action. It serves not only as advocacy for veterans but also addresses broader implications for healthcare access in New Jersey, where state and local budgets may not possess the capacity to absorb the financial burden created by potential federal funding cuts.
A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.
Urges U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to utilize and fund existing paratransit transportation networks to transport disabled veterans to and from its New Jersey medical centers.
Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to enable veterans to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy for both traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.