Veterans who cannot easily access a Veterans Affairs Department (VA) provider will continue to receive health care from doctors of their choice because the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act.
President Donald Trump recently signed the act into law.
“The veterans have poured out their sweat and blood and tears for this country for so long, and it's time that they're recognized, and it's time that we now take care of them, and take care of them properly,” Trump said after signing the bill, according to an announcement. “This bill will extend and improve the Veterans Choice Program so that more veterans can see the doctor of their choice … and don’t have to wait and travel long distances for VA care. Some people have to travel five hours, eight hours, and they'll have to do it on a weekly basis, and even worse than that. It's not going to happen anymore.”
The Veterans Choice Program allows those enrolled in VA health care to receive treatment in their communities if they’ve been on a waiting list for more than 30 days, if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or face excessive travel burdens.
“This new law is a good start, but there is still much work to do,” Trump said. “We will fight each and every day to deliver the long-awaited reforms our veterans deserve, and to protect those who have so courageously protected each and every one of us.”
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