This bill amends R.S.30:4-60 to exclude veterans' benefits from the calculation of financial obligations for individuals receiving care at psychiatric facilities. Specifically, it states that when determining the financial responsibility of a person with mental illness for their treatment, the income considered will not include any veterans' benefits they receive. This change aims to ensure that veterans are not financially burdened by their service-related benefits when it comes to paying for psychiatric care.

The bill also outlines the process for determining the financial obligation of individuals with mental illness, which is based on a sliding scale fee schedule established for charity care. It emphasizes that the financial assessment will take into account the person's income, assets, and resources, but with the new provision, veterans' benefits will not be factored into this equation. The bill is designed to promote fair treatment for veterans while ensuring they have access to necessary mental health services without the added stress of financial obligations that could arise from their benefits.