Legal Help for Veterans Attorney James Fausone Applauds VA Proposal to Waive Copays for Whole Health Well-Being Services

Detroit, Michigan – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed a rule eliminating copays for Whole Health well-being services, a move aimed at improving veterans’ access to care nationwide. The exemption would cover inpatient and outpatient services, including health education, wellness coaching, skill-building programs, and complementary treatments like yoga and meditation.

Attorney James Fausone of Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, supports this initiative, emphasizing its potential to remove financial barriers that discourage Veterans from seeking preventative and holistic health care. “This proposal recognizes the importance of proactive health management,” said Fausone. “Veterans deserve access to care that supports both physical and mental well-being without worrying about copays.”

Expanding Access to Whole Health Services

Whole Health programs focus on overall well-being rather than treating a single condition. By prioritizing preventative care, stress management, and lifestyle education, these services help Veterans lead healthier lives. The proposed copay exemption aligns with VA’s ongoing efforts to make health care more accessible, particularly for Veterans who may avoid treatment due to financial concerns.

Under the proposed rule, Veterans would no longer have to pay copays for:

Whole Health education programs designed to improve self-care and overall health literacy;
Health and wellness coaching that guides lifestyle changes, goal setting, and long-term health planning;
Skill-building programs that help Veterans manage chronic conditions, pain, and mental health challenges; and
Complementary and integrative health services such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and acupuncture, all of which promote physical and mental well-being.
Fausone highlights that removing copays for these services could increase participation rates, leading to better health outcomes and reduced long-term medical costs.

A Broader Effort to Reduce Barriers to VA Health Care

This proposal builds on other recent efforts by the VA to lower the costs of health care for veterans. In 2024, VA implemented several policy changes to improve access to care. The agency began waiving copays for a Veteran’s first three outpatient mental health visits each year, recognizing that cost can be a deterrent to seeking early treatment. VA also proposed a rule to eliminate copays for all telehealth visits, an initiative designed to increase accessibility for Veterans who may struggle with transportation, mobility issues, or living in remote areas.

Additionally, the VA expanded tele-emergency care services to ensure that veterans in rural regions receive immediate medical attention. By broadening access to emergency consultations through virtual care, the VA reduces the burden on hospitals and emergency rooms while ensuring Veterans get critical medical attention without delay. The department has also worked to streamline scheduling and minimize wait times, prioritizing efficiency to help Veterans receive care when needed.

These changes reflect a shift toward making VA health care more affordable and accessible, especially for those who depend on the VA for comprehensive medical treatment. By removing financial barriers, the department aims to encourage more Veterans to engage in preventative and ongoing health care, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Addressing the Long-Term Benefits of Whole Health Services

Veterans who actively engage in their health care often experience fewer hospitalizations, lower prescription drug use, and improved quality of life. By making Whole Health programs more accessible, VA aims to encourage proactive health management and preventative care.

Attorney Fausone underscores the importance of early intervention in improving Veteran health outcomes. “When Veterans can access preventative care without financial obstacles, they are more likely to take control of their health,” he said. “This benefits individual Veterans and reduces the strain on the overall health care system.”

Legal Support for Veterans Seeking Care and Benefits

While the proposed rule eliminating copays for Whole Health well-being services is a step in the right direction, many Veterans still face obstacles when seeking VA benefits and health care. The VA claims process, eligibility rules, and frequent denials create challenges for Veterans trying to secure the full benefits they have earned. The proposed rule reinforces the VA’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, but Veterans must take an active role in understanding their rights and ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to. With the public comment period for this rule opening on January 6, Veterans must stay informed and engaged in policy changes that could impact their care.

“Policy changes like this can make a meaningful difference, but without proper guidance, some Veterans may still struggle to access these services,” said Attorney James Fausone. “Legal advocacy plays a key role in ensuring that Veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.”

Veterans who have questions about their benefits or how they can ensure they receive the correct amount of benefits should reach out to an experienced veterans’ benefits lawyer for immediate assistance. Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, is a Michigan-based veteran benefit law firm that concentrates only on legal issues affecting veterans, including service-connected benefits. The firm can be reached through its website at https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/.

The attorneys at Legal Help for Veterans have a national practice representing veterans from across the country. They have helped veterans collect over $10,000,000 in future and retroactive benefits.

Legal Help of Veterans
41700 West Six Mile Road Suite 100
Northville, MI 48168
1.800.693.4800
https://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/
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