Rep. Walberg Introduces Medal of Honor Priority Care Act

Washington, D.C. Rep. Walberg has introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure living Medal of Honor recipients receive timely access to their health benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses a priority scale to determine eligibility for health care services, and H.R.4720, the Medal of Honor Priority Care Act, would place Medal of Honor recipients in the highest priority group.

"Medal of Honor recipients have gone above and beyond in the call of duty. These heroes have put themselves in harm's way, and their valor and gallantry in the face of hostilities earned them the highest accolade in the armed services. We have a duty to make sure these heroes have access to the VA when they need it and the Medal of Honor Priority Care Act will ensure that this select group of individuals is guaranteed high-quality care," said Rep. Walberg.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to members of the armed forces. There are currently 78 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, including two from Michigan: Corporal Duane E. Dewey and Private First Class Robert E. Simanek both received the decoration for their heroic actions in the Korean War.