WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Mike Michaud (D-ME), Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, has joined with Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) to introduce the CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act, which would allow children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program to continue coverage up to age 26.

"This bill would bring CHAMPVA in line with the insurance requirements created by the Affordable Care Act," said Michaud. "It will help close the coverage gap that currently exists for the children of veterans who gave up so much for our country."

CHAMPVA is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA shares the cost of covered health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries, such as the spouse or child of a veteran who is disabled or died from a service-connected disability. Legislation has already been passed allowing TRICARE to cover children on their parents' plan up to age 26.