Governor Signs HERO Act

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey signed the HERO Act, (An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans) that includes over 30 provisions that will impact hundreds of thousands of veterans in Massachusetts, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans.  

 

This legislation will increase benefits, modernize services and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts. Key provisions include expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing benefits for disabled veterans, supporting businesses that hire veterans, updating the definition of a veteran, expanding the Veterans Equality Review Board's scope, and codifying medical and dental benefits.  

 

"This is our most comprehensive veterans' legislation in over 20 years, and it's the result of Massachusetts coming together to make veterans our priority," said Governor Healey. "From the start, our administration has been dedicated to revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts, ensuring that every hero receives the benefits, resources and support they deserve. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country – we can and will be the state where veterans and service members continue to lead and make all our freedom and success possible." 

 

Unveiled last Veterans Day, the HERO Act marks the first time in 20 years that a Massachusetts Governor has introduced a comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans. Since its filing, additional provisions were added by the Senate and House.

 

Benefit Expansion   

 

Behavioral Health Treatment: Expands access to behavioral health treatment by allowing veterans to be reimbursed for visits to outpatient behavioral health providers.  

 

Increases the Disabled Veteran Annuity: Increases the disabled veteran annuity from $2,000 to $2,500, phased in over two years, and will be one payment, annually, on August 1.