Labrador Backs Better Health Care Access for Veterans

Press Release

Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Idaho, is one of 19 original cosponsors of a new bill establishing a fair travel standard for veterans who must drive long distances to obtain care at a VA medical facility.

H.R. 577, the Veterans Access to Community Care Act of 2015, would amend last year's Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act. Last year's law was enacted in response to serious service problems in the VA system, including long wait times, mismanagement and neglect of patients.

Congress gave veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility the option to seek treatment outside the VA system at VA expense. But the Department of Veterans Affairs defined 40 miles as straight-line distance, not driving distance.

"The VA's interpretation ignores the geographical reality of much of Idaho and rural America, where mountains, rivers and lakes multiply the driving distance from a veteran's home to the health care he or she needs," Labrador said. "Our obligation to keep our promises to the brave men and women of our armed services -- regardless of where they live -- demands this common-sense solution."

Authored by Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., H.R. 577 would retain the 40-mile standard but measure it by driving distance. The bill has bipartisan support.

The Veterans Access to Community Care Act established the Choice Program, funded by $10 billion for non-VA care over three years. The program also is available to veterans experiencing waittimes beyond 30 days.

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