Daines Introduces Bill to Improve Veteran's Access to Care

Press Release

Representative Steve Daines today helped introduce legislation to improve Montana veterans' ability to receive health care services in a timely manner and in a convenient location.

H.R. 4810, the Veterans Access to Care Act, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer non-VA care at the department's expense to any enrolled veteran who cannot get an appointment within VA wait time goals -- currently 14 days -- or who lives more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility.

The bill would also ban bonuses for all VA employees from FY 2014 -- 2016 and require VA to submit a quarterly report to Congress including usage info and an accounting as to what purchase methods were used to provide non-VA care.

"Reports of perpetual delays and chronic mismanagement at VA medical centers across the nation aren't just cause for alarm--these are serious problems that must be addressed immediately. Montana veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and it's critical that they deserve the care they have been promised and the services they have earned," Daines stated."The Veterans Access to Care Act will ensure our veterans receive the care they need in a timely manner, and also provides veterans who live long drives from the closest VA medical center--like many Montana veterans-- the opportunity to receive care from a medical provider closer to home. These simple reforms will improve veterans' access to care, while also bringing much-needed accountability to the VA."

Under H.R. 4810, any care provided by a non-Department facility not under an existing VA contract would be reimbursed at the rate set by the VA, Tricare, or Medicare--whichever is greatest. The access portions of the bill would sunset two years after enactment of the bill.

The Veterans Access to Care Act is expected to receive a full vote in the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

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