This bipartisan bill allows South Korean immigrants who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea alongside American troops during the Vietnam War to access health care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs, paid for by the Korean government
WASHINGTON – The bipartisan Korean American VALOR Act introduced by Senator Mike Braun and Senator Mazie Hirono 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.” – Senator Mike Braun
“Thanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA. I am glad our bill has passed the Senate and will soon be signed into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.” – Senator Mazie Hirono
“I am thrilled by the overwhelming bipartisan support across both chambers for Korean American Vietnam veterans who fought alongside American forces to get the VA healthcare that they deserve. This measure is long overdue, and I urge President Biden to sign my bill into law as soon as possible.”– Representative Mark Takano
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.
View bill text here.
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