Bill Sponsor
Senate Bill 1280
117th Congress(2021-2022)
Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2021
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Apr 21, 2021
Overview
Text
Introduced
Apr 21, 2021
Latest Action
Jun 23, 2021
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
1280
Congress
117
Policy Area
Armed Forces and National Security
Armed Forces and National Security
Primary focus of measure is military operations and spending, facilities, procurement and weapons, personnel, intelligence; strategic materials; war and emergency powers; veterans’ issues. Measures concerning alliances and collective security, arms sales and military assistance, or arms control may fall under International Affairs policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
Washington
Democrat
Connecticut
Democrat
Delaware
Democrat
Illinois
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
Massachusetts
Democrat
Minnesota
Democrat
New Hampshire
Democrat
New Hampshire
Democrat
Oregon
Democrat
Rhode Island
Senate Votes (0)
House Votes (0)
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2021

This bill addresses fertility treatments, counseling, and other health-related programs for veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide fertility treatments and counseling to covered veterans and active duty service members or a spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of such veteran or service member. A covered veteran or service member is a former or current member of the Armed Forces who has an infertility condition, unless it is demonstrable that the individual was completely infertile prior to serving in the Armed Forces.

In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment, DOD and the VA may not furnish more than three completed cycles or six attempted cycles, whichever occurs first.

DOD must establish procedures related to gamete retrieval and storage. Additionally, DOD must provide service members with the opportunity to cryopreserve and store their gametes prior to deployment to a combat zone or a hazardous duty assignment.

DOD and the VA must share best practices and facilitate referrals for the furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling to eligible individuals.

Fertility counseling and treatment are included within authorized VA medical services.

The VA may pay the adoption expenses (for up to three adoptions) for a covered member who is enrolled in the VA health care system.

The VA must facilitate specified reproduction and infertility research conducted collaboratively by DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Text (1)
April 21, 2021
Actions (3)
06/23/2021
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 117-231.
04/21/2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
04/21/2021
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Feb 14, 2023 2:36:02 PM