Bill introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act was introduced this week in the House of Representatives by Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona. It has previously been presented to the Senate by Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. The legislation would allow veterans to seek expanded healthcare options from non-VA-funded healthcare providers, removing the agency from the referral process altogether.
Representative Biggs stated, “Our nation’s veterans make many sacrifices in their fight to protect our freedoms, and we must uphold the promise we made to provide them quality healthcare. Often, veterans experience significant delays and unnecessary bureaucracy when seeking care through the VA healthcare system. My bill frees them of those challenges, opening access to community healthcare options to those who need and want them. I will always have our veterans’ backs and urge my colleagues to move this legislation forward.”
Senator Blackburn said, “Tennessee is home to over 400,000 veterans, who deserve the very best care our nation has to offer and the freedom to choose the care that best fits their needs. We should eliminate the layers of bureaucracy and expedite access to Community Care for all veterans. The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act would create a three-year pilot program within the VA that allows veterans to schedule necessary appointments at non-VA medical facilities and gives them access to information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatments, and providers – so that they are empowered to make informed decisions.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Senator Blackburn as she advocates for expanded healthcare options for veterans.
- For Congressman Biggs as he promotes reducing healthcare bureaucracy for veterans.
- For members in both houses of Congress as they consider the legislation.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill
