Hurd, Moulton Champion Online Scheduling at the VA

Press Release

In response to systematic dropped calls and lengthy holds times, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan measure that will dramatically improve the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) appointment system. Co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Will Hurd (R-TX), the Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016 will test out electronic appointment scheduling for veterans seeking medical attention, with an option to expand the pilot program after 18 months.

"In the year 2016, there is no good reason that anyone should be stuck on hold for hours to schedule a simple doctor's appointment--especially our nation's veterans." said Hurd. "This inefficiency is one of countless systematic failures that would put a private-sector company out of business. We must do more for our veterans and I thank my colleague Rep. Moulton for his leadership on the matter."

"Our nation's veterans deserve the best healthcare in the world, period," said Moulton. "As a Member of Congress, I declined congressional health care and pledged to receive my care at the VA. I receive excellent service from terrific doctors and nurses at my home VA facility in Massachusetts, but I also know that for far too long, our veterans have been underserved by outdated systems. It doesn't have to be this way, and today I'm proud that the House came together to pass my bipartisan bill. This legislation will require the VA to use innovative technology in the private sector and drastically improve access to healthcare for our veterans."

Earlier this year, Rep. Hurd, who chairs the IT Subcommittee for Oversight and Government Reform, hosted a hearing with Moulton to discuss ways to improve veterans' services by implementing modern technology. After releasing a viral video of one of his staffers struggling to schedule an appointment at the local VA hospital, Rep. Moulton spearheaded the Faster Care for Veterans Act.

The bill was one of several that appeared in the House this week aimed at improving benefits for veterans and their families.

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