This bill amends R.S.30:4-60 to exclude veterans benefits from the income calculation used to determine the financial obligation for care at psychiatric facilities. Specifically, it states that when assessing the financial responsibility of a person with mental illness for treatment in a psychiatric facility, the income considered will not include any veterans benefits the individual receives. This change aims to ensure that veterans are not financially burdened by their service-related benefits when it comes to their mental health care costs.

The bill also outlines the process for determining the financial obligation of individuals receiving treatment, which is based on a sliding scale fee schedule established for charity care. It emphasizes that the obligation for adults with mental illness will be calculated after accounting for any available third-party insurance or medical assistance payments. By excluding veterans benefits from this calculation, the bill seeks to provide additional financial relief to veterans seeking psychiatric care, thereby promoting better access to necessary mental health services.