Current Status on Peace Corps Health Legislation
Thanks, Joanne.
Update August 12, 2018: Jonathan Pearson, NPCA Advocate writes: We continue to encourage people to reach out to Congress to promote passage of the House version of the legislation (H.R. 2259), especially Senators. People can take action on the issue by sending messages using this link https://advocacy.peacecorpsconnect.org/email-congress/#/40
The National Peace Corps Association joins Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers in urging Congress to pass legislation improving health care for both serving Volunteers and RPCVS. There are two bills.While similar in many ways, the bills are not identical and differ on some key provisions. The National Peace Corps Association is urging support of both the House legislation, H.R.2259, the Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act, and in the Senate, S. 2286 the Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018.
For a complete description of the legislation and the provisions of each bill, read this June 8th update from Nancy Tongue of Health Justice for Peace Corps Volunteers. https://peacecorpsworldwide.org/health-justice-for-peace-
The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 2259, the Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act.
NPCA has given the latest information on the status of the bills, in these emails, August 1 and 2nd, 2018.
Glenn Blumhorst (RPCV Guatemala 1988-91), President of the NPCA wrote
I didn’t know there is health care for RPCV’s
Hi Edward,
I should have been more specific. There are RPCVs who have service connected medical issues. The health legislation would provide adequaqte FU for their care. Right now, there are many problems with continunity of care for those who become sick during service and who have these problems continue after they come home.
Thanks, Joanne.