Kuster, Shea-Porter Welcome Inclusion of Ambulatory Surgical Center Language in MilCon VA Appropriations Bill

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, applauded the inclusion of their requested language in the MilCon VA appropriations bill, which will require VA to report on their ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) construction priorities and provide Congress an analysis of VA's current ability to meet veterans ambulatory surgical needs. Kuster and Shea-Porter wrote to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies about the importance of prioritizing the construction of ASC to improve care for veterans, particularly in rural areas. The Representatives also highlighted the challenges faced by veterans accessing care at the Manchester VAMC and how an ASC could improve access to care.

"We know that veterans have faced unacceptable challenges in accessing the quality care they deserve in New Hampshire and throughout the country," said Kuster. "Expanding ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) within the VA has the potential to address some of these challenges by providing high quality surgical services without having to refer a veteran to an outside healthcare provider. I'm pleased that the MilCon VA Appropriations bill will examine the importance of ASCs within the VA, and I will continue to push for the expansion of services for veterans at the Manchester VAMC and throughout the Granite State."

"The Manchester VA Medical Center needs significant capital investments to expand its capacity to deliver care to veterans, especially with regard to its surgical program," said Shea-Porter. "I am pleased that the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill will include our provision to push the VA to explore innovative ways to expand surgical capacity, specifically through expanded use of ambulatory surgical centers. We owe our veterans access to the highest quality medical care, and expanded use of ASCs will enable more veterans receive surgical care from the VA."

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