As the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) expands its facilities, many veterans are losing access to the VA’s Community Care Program and, consequently, their long-term healthcare providers. This issue has affected veterans nationwide, including many in Florida.
In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues have introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act. This legislation would require the VA to consider continuity of healthcare when deciding whether it is in a veteran’s best medical interest to see a community provider.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and often have PTSD or other mental health issues as a result. Addressing mental health issues takes trust and time. The Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act will ensure our veterans can continue receiving care from their long-term providers that they have established a trusted relationship with,” said Senator Rubio.
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The bill has received bipartisan support from Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), James Lankford (R-OK), John Thune (R-SD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL).
Senator Moran commented, “I am hearing from more and more veterans in Kansas and across the country who are finding it harder to receive the care they are entitled to from VA and who are being cut off from their community providers. This legislation would help veterans maintain care with the doctors and nurses they have come to trust by requiring VA to take continuity of care into account when evaluating veterans for community care referral.”
Senator Cornyn added, “When a veteran is denied a Community Care authorization by the VA, it creates unnecessary hurdles for them and jeopardizes their access to consistent care. This bill would make ‘continuity of care’ a key factor in determining the best medical interests of our veterans, ensuring they receive the high-quality care they deserve.”
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Other senators echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of maintaining access to trusted healthcare providers and reducing bureaucratic barriers.
U.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House. He stated, “Providing excellent care at VA facilities and providing flexibility are not opposing missions. The VA should continue investing in new clinics and recruiting specialists while also protecting veterans’ access to care outside the VA. Vets have earned their benefits—including the right to decide the care that works best for them. My bill will ensure continuity of care for veterans currently receiving services outside the VA, preventing the VA from abruptly terminating their coverage. It will also provide clarity and certainty for veterans who rely on community care and are concerned they’ll lose their doctor. I thank Senator Rubio for his leadership on this issue in the Senate.”
The bill aims to ensure that veterans can continue receiving care from their long-term providers without facing unnecessary disruptions.
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