Congressman Mullin Statement on VA Choice Program Distance Calculation Effective Date and Changes to Beneficiary Travel

Statement

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) made the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published a rule changing the distance calculation for the Veteran's Choice Program from straight-line to driving distance. This change is effective immediately.

Additionally, the VA announced it is also changing the mileage calculation for beneficiary travel from the "shortest route" to the "fastest route" in order to maintain consistency in their mileage calculations of the two programs.

Beneficiary travel reimburses the round-trip cost of travel for certain eligible veterans from their residence to their VA medical appointment location. This calculation is also effective immediately, the VA stated.

"Veterans in Oklahoma's Second Congressional District will benefit from the VA's change in distance calculation, and I am pleased that the VA chose to listen to our concerns regarding this aspect of the Choice Program. However, there is still work to be done to make the program more accessible to our veterans. Current rules prohibit a veteran from using the Choice Program if they live within 40 miles of any VA medical facility -- even if that facility doesn't offer the kind of care the veteran needs. A veteran should not be ineligible for the Choice Program simply because they live within 40 miles of a clinic that does not offer the kind of care they require."

"I look forward to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's May 13, 2015, hearing on the progress of the Choice Program where we will hopefully learn more about what steps the VA is taking to ensure this program works best for our veterans, particularly veterans who live in rural areas."

Source