A piece of legislation that would ensure that America’s veterans have greater access to the health care was introduced this month by Congressman Andy Biggs. The bill, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, is intending to remove barriers to free – market health care.
The bill has eight co-sponsors: Rep. Salazar (FL-27), Rep. Gaetz (FL-1), Rep. Herrell (NM-2), Rep. Budd (NC-13), Rep. Greene (GA-14), Rep. Williams (TX-25), Rep. Good (VA-5), & Rep. McClain (MI-10).
The bill allows veterans to access primary, specialty, and mental care at non-VA facilities and outside of their corresponding Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
The bill also requires the VA to give veterans information about eligibility, cost sharing, treatment options, and providers so that they are able to make informed decisions.
“Seven years ago this month it was discovered that more than forty veterans had died while waiting for health care from the Phoenix VA. Our veterans were forced into a health care system that did not meet their physical or mental health needs. They faced long wait times and poor service. While we have seen marked improvement, some problems still exist,” said Biggs.
“This legislation is a step in the right direction that ensures our veterans will be able to obtain timely and quality care. By allowing our veterans to access community care facilities, we can ensure that no veteran goes without care,” explained Biggs.
Concerned Veterans for America supports the legislation, saying that it “will honor the sacrifices made by veterans and empower them with greater choice and flexibility to access health care in their local community. This approach to expanding choice for veterans is a solution to meet the changing needs of today and tomorrow’s veterans.”