Putting Families First: Strengthening CHAMPVA for Survivors and Dependents
NACVSO National Policy Director Jim Zenner Provides Testimony Before House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Hearing Focus: “Strengthening CHAMPVA for Survivors and Dependents”
Washington, D.C. — December 10, 2025— The National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) announced today that its National Policy Director, Jim Zenner, was formally invited to provide testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health during its hearing titled “Strengthening CHAMPVA for Survivors and Dependents.”
Zenner’s testimony highlighted the critical role that the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) plays in supporting the families of disabled veterans, as well as the urgent need to modernize and strengthen the program to better meet today’s healthcare demands.
“As the frontline advocates serving millions of veterans and their families across more than 1,250 communities, NACVSO sees firsthand the challenges survivors and dependents face in accessing timely and affordable care,” said Zenner. “CHAMPVA remains an essential lifeline and strengthening it is not only a policy imperative — it is a moral obligation.”
Representing nearly 3,000 accredited Veteran Service Officers nationwide, NACVSO emphasized the importance of improving eligibility, reducing administrative barriers, and ensuring that the families of those who served receive the support they deserve.
NACVSO National President Andrew Tangen praised Zenner’s participation, noting, “We are proud to have Jim Zenner carry the voice of our nation’s local veteran advocates to Congress.
His testimony underscores the vital role county, city, and tribal Veteran Service Officers play in navigating complex healthcare systems and ensuring that no survivor or dependent falls through the cracks.”
The full hearing, including Zenner’s testimony, is available on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs website.