Bowling Green Today

Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) has joined the effort to give former Prisoners of War (POW) the highest priority group status for medical care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Guthrie, along with U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (MI-05), led the re-introduction of the POW Priority Care Act, which aims to elevate POWs to Priority Group 1 for health care services at VA facilities.

In a statement, Guthrie expressed his pride in co-sponsoring the bill and his commitment to supporting veterans. He highlighted the unimaginable hardships and wounds, both visible and invisible, that POWs have endured. Guthrie stated, "This important legislation recognizes the adversity that our POWs have faced by elevating these veterans to the highest priority status for health care services at Veterans Affairs facilities."

The POW Priority Care Act seeks to raise the VA priority group of veterans who were POWs from Priority Group 3 to Priority Group 1. The priority groups are used to categorize health care benefits and services eligibility for veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Guthrie was joined by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) in co-sponsoring the bill. Together, they aim to honor those who have sacrificed so much for the country, especially as Veterans Day approaches.

The re-introduction of the POW Priority Care Act underscores the ongoing commitment to provide the necessary care and support for veterans. By prioritizing POWs in the VA health care system, this legislation acknowledges their unique needs and the significant sacrifices they have made.

For more information on current VA priority groups, please visit the VA website.

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To learn more, click on this link: https://guthrie.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388115