Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and their colleagues have introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act. This legislation mandates that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consider continuity of healthcare when determining if it is in a veteran’s best medical interest to see a community provider.

The introduction of this bill comes as many veterans are losing access to the VA’s Community Care Program due to the opening of new VA facilities, resulting in disruptions to their long-term healthcare providers. Reports from veterans nationwide indicate a loss of care.

Senator Blackburn commented, “As the Biden administration continues to threaten veterans’ access to the Community Care Program, veterans across Tennessee consistently tell me how much they value this program because it provides them with options to receive medical care closer to home. This legislation will broaden access to community care by ensuring that our veterans receive the quality care they deserve without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.”

Senator Rubio added, “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.”

In addition, U.S. Representative Scott Franklin (R-Fla.) has introduced companion legislation in the House.

Community Care enables veterans to visit regular doctors within their communities when VA facilities cannot provide necessary care. Eligibility for Community Care depends on specific criteria, including the availability of VA services and individual veteran needs.

The bill has garnered support from several co-sponsors: Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

The full text of the bill is available here.