HF 545 – Brain injury screenings and funding from Veterans Trust Fund
FLOOR ACTION:
HF 545 creates a new allowable expenditure category in the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) for initial screening for a military service-connected traumatic brain injury for individuals that cannot receive payment or reimbursement through any other federal or state program or through a private health insurance or managed care organization. As with most VTF categories (e.g., vision, hearing, dental care, durable medical equipment, emergency home or vehicle repairs), applicants must be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to be eligible for financial assistance. In an effort to expedite services for veterans that come to the VTF for help with a possible military service-connected traumatic brain injury, the House’s version was amended by the Senate to lift the income limit provision for only this new category. The Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs reviews and decides on all VTF applications for “allowable expenses” categories. HF 545 passed the House on a 97-0 vote. [4/9: 50-0]