SAVE LIVES Act (H.R. 1276)

Summary

Lets the Department of Veterans Affairs give COVID-19 shots to all veterans, their spouses, and caregivers, even if they are not in the VA health system.

What problem does this solve?

Many veterans and their families could not get a COVID-19 vaccine from the VA because they were not enrolled in its healthcare system. This law lets the VA give the vaccine to any veteran, their spouse, or their caregiver to help more people get protected from the virus.

What does this law do?

Authorizes COVID-19 vaccines for new groups

Gives the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the power to provide COVID-19 vaccines to veterans not enrolled in the VA system, their spouses, and certain caregivers.

Prioritizes currently enrolled veterans

Makes the VA give vaccines first to veterans already in its healthcare system and their caregivers before offering them to the newly eligible groups.

Defines who is eligible for the vaccine

Specifies that 'covered individuals' include veterans not in the VA system, certain caregivers, and spouses of veterans.

Advises adjusting vaccine allocation

Recommends that the Secretary of Health and Human Services adjust the VA's vaccine supply to account for the newly eligible people.

Who does this affect?

Veterans
Spouses of veterans
Caregivers of veterans

What is the real world impact?

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Expands vaccine access for the veteran community

Provides a way for millions of veterans who do not use VA healthcare, plus their spouses and caregivers, to get the COVID-19 vaccine through the VA's system.

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Improves public health

Vaccinates more people, including those closely connected to veterans, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the wider community and protect at-risk groups.

When does this start?

This authority is active for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, starting on March 24, 2021.