Cohen, Issa Introduce the Compassionate Visa for Medical Treatment Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) joined with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA-49) today to introduce the Compassionate Visa for Medical Treatment Act, which would help thousands of people – particularly children – obtain top quality medical care in the United States.
“So many people across the world – especially children -- are struggling with life threatening illnesses and in many cases the best possible care they can receive is right here in the United States,” said Congressman Cohen. “Our legislation is a responsible and carefully thought out humane response to a global need for access to the top-quality medical care that American hospitals provide.”
“Americans have a legacy of generosity and as a force for good in the world,” said Congressman Issa. “Making our medical technology and institutions available for cases that need them most will be an extension of our nation’s legacy of helping others at their times of greatest need.”
The legislation would create a new visa category for temporary admissions to the U.S. solely for the purpose of receiving medical treatment for a serious or life-threatening condition. The new visa category would also allow two immediate family members of the patient to accompany him or her. After six months, the period of admission can be extended by one-year increments to continue medical treatment.
Families of foreign children receiving medical treatment for a serious or life threatening illness in the U.S. have enough to worry about without having to face the threat of financial problems resulting from the cost of long-term care. The measure further helps children admitted under the new visa category by providing a work authorization for any parent who accompanies his or her child under the new visa category if the child’s medical treatment will last more than six months. The authorization would begin only after six months of medical treatment for the child and will only last as long as the medical treatment is needed.