Politics & Government
Shea-Porter: Congress Must Act on Permanent, Streamlined Access to Non-V.A. Care
Following short-term extension of the Veterans Choice Program, congresswoman advocates for a long-term solution for New Hampshire veterans.
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01) today wrote to House and Senate leadership calling for action on a permanent, user-friendly solution for veterans who need non-V.A. care in the community. Shea-Porter’s letter followed House action on a short-term extension of the Veterans Choice Program.
“Now is the time for Congress to establish a permanent solution that meets the needs of our nation’s veterans, community providers, and the VA,” wrote Shea-Porter. “Our nation’s veterans deserve the benefits we have promised to them, and that includes timely access to the best medical care our country has to offer. Congress will be able to build on its commitment to provide this care within the VA by strengthening the VA health system while also streamlining veterans’ access to private care when it is needed.”
In 2014, Shea-Porter voted for the Veterans Choice Act, which created the three-year program that currently allows New Hampshire veterans to receive care from non-VA providers if they live more than 20 miles from the White River Junction VA Medical Center in Vermont. This afternoon, the House unanimously passed the Veterans Choice Program Improvement Act, which will lift the program’s scheduled August sunset date and allow veterans to schedule appointments until remaining funds are expended. While Shea-Porter’s letter applauds this short-term solution, it also urges Congressional action to develop a permanent, sustainable program New Hampshire veterans can rely on.
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A former military spouse, Shea-Porter is committed to ensuring our veterans have access to the quality health care they deserve. During her four terms as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, she has worked to provide New Hampshire veterans with increased in-state access to medical care and an expanded GI Bill of Rights. In February, Shea-Porter met with Manchester VA Medical Center leadership to discuss progress and challenges improving access and quality of care for New Hampshire veterans, including through the Choice program. Last month, the House passed Shea-Porter’s amendment to improve the VA’s ability to hire and retain health providers, which would create a category for mental health professionals in a database to help match qualified applicants to critical open positions at the VA, facilitating faster hiring.
