Bill Overview
Title: Veterans Equal Access Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to authorize VA health care providers to (1) provide veterans with recommendations and opinions regarding participation in their state's marijuana programs, and (2) complete forms reflecting such recommendations and opinions.
Sponsors: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans
Estimated Size: 19000000
- There are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States as of recent estimates.
- Many veterans seek health care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The bill specifically addresses veterans participating in state-level marijuana programs.
- The bill aims to authorize VA providers to engage with veterans regarding these state programs, indicating those interested in or currently participating in such programs would be the most directly impacted.
Reasoning
- There are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States as of recent estimates, creating a broad potential impact for the policy.
- The policy's budget is limited relative to the large veteran population, so not all veterans will be affected initially.
- Veterans already interested in state marijuana programs or those with chronic conditions that may be alleviated by such programs are likely to benefit most.
- The policy allows for an expansion of the types of conversations VA healthcare providers can have with veterans, potentially improving trust and mental health outcomes.
- Given the budgetary constraints, focus for year 1 implementation may be limited to the states with existing marijuana programs.
Simulated Interviews
unemployed (Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've found some relief for my PTSD symptoms through the state's marijuana program.
- It's frustrating not being able to discuss this treatment with my VA doctor.
- This policy would help bridge that gap and ensure I get more comprehensive care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
small business owner (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't personally use marijuana, but I believe veterans should have all options available.
- Allowing VA doctors to discuss this freely would be a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
retired (Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been curious about trying marijuana for my back pain but hesitant without VA advice.
- This policy would give me confidence to explore these options safely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
student (New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I see the potential benefits, I'm personally more comfortable with the treatments VA currently offers me.
- I'm supportive if this helps other veterans though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
volunteer (Florida)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about my opioid use and I'm looking for alternatives.
- This policy could be a lifesaver if it helps me manage pain without opioids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
government employee (Illinois)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would appreciate more open discussions around all types of therapies including marijuana.
- This policy could normalize these conversations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
healthcare advocate (Washington)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Veterans should have access to a full range of health services that could help them.
- This policy is a necessary first step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
tech support (Oregon)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm already using marijuana, so being able to talk openly about it with my VA doctor would reinforce my choice.
- I think it could potentially improve my care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
retired teacher (Virginia)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure marijuana is the answer for veterans' health issues.
- However, if it helps others, I'm in support of the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
artist (New Mexico)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find it helpful for my arthritis, and discussing this with my VA providers can improve management of my condition.
- This policy supports my health choices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5200000 (Low: $3200000, High: $7200000)
Year 3: $5500000 (Low: $3400000, High: $7500000)
Year 5: $5800000 (Low: $3600000, High: $7800000)
Year 10: $6500000 (Low: $4100000, High: $8900000)
Year 100: $8000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $11000000)
Key Considerations
- The primary fiscal impact will be administrative with potential modest savings on medication costs.
- State-level differences in marijuana legislation could affect the implementation and associated costs of the policy.
- Administrative burden on VA providers could vary based on the number of participating veterans in state programs.