Steil bill ensures veterans’ mental health appointments don’t fall through cracks

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) recently sponsored the No Veteran Falls Through the Cracks Act, H.R. 5789, to ensure that if a veteran cancels a mental health appointment, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would follow up with the individual to reschedule the appointment.

"It is critical that we support our veterans' mental health," Rep. Steil said on Nov. 9. "By requiring that the VA follows up with our veterans for any cancelled appointment, we can make sure veterans get the assistance they need at difficult times."

Rep. Steil introduced the bipartisan H.R. 5789 on Oct. 28 along with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN). According to the text of the bill, the legislation would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the ability of veterans to make appointments for mental health care. The bill is under consideration by the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee.

"Addressing the crisis of veteran suicide in this country is of paramount priority," Rep. Phillips said. "Scheduling a mental health appointment online has become the preferred method for this generation of transitioning veterans, so it is crucial that those cancelled online appointments receive follow-up. I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Bryan Steil to introduce this critical legislation."