Efforts are under way in Congress to protect three military and veterans healthcare programs left out of the healthcare overhaul bill and the corresponding healthcare reconciliation bill.

The three programs - TRICARE, the V.A. spina bifida program and CHAMPVA - weren’t specifically labeled as meeting “minimum essential coverage” standards in the healthcare overhaul, said David Ward, a spokesman for U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.

“It mentions several times these minimum requirements,” Ward said. “It neglected to include these programs that are vital to North Carolina veterans and service families.”

Ward said Burr tried to amend the reconciliation bill to include the three programs. But that amendment was tabled by a 54-44 vote. Burr and fellow U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., voted against the tabling motion.

However, Burr’s office said that the substance of his amendment has been included in two other bills. One, which Burr sponsored along with Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, protects the spina bifida program and the CHAMPVA program. That bill has passed the Senate and awaits action in the House.

Another bill protecting the TRICARE program has passed the House and awaits Senate action, Burr’s office said.

TRICARE is the federal program that provides civilian health benefits for members of the military and their dependants.

The spina bifida program provides monetary allowances, vocational training, rehabilitation and health care benefits to certain Korea and Vietnam veterans’ birth children who have been diagnosed with spina bifida.

CHAMPVA is a health care program for spouses and dependant children of veterans who have died or are profoundly disabled as a result of military service.

According to Burr’s office, Burr was concerned that without the legislation, President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care reform act could require people receiving benefits under those programs to pay for additional insurance.

“Our nation’s veterans and their families have sacrificed of themselves on behalf of our security, and we owe them the best health care available,” Burr said in a statement.