Rep. Baird Introduces Legislation to Prioritize Veterans' Healthcare

Statement

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the VA Same-Day Scheduling Act to ensure Veterans get the timely attention and treatment that they deserve when contacting the VA.

"Veterans and servicemembers make tremendous personal sacrifices to defend our great nation, and our appreciation for their service shouldn't end when they complete active duty," said Congressman Jim Baird. "As a fellow Veteran, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to receive timely medical care and secure medical appointments. Reports that the VA is not prioritizing our Veterans' time as they should is not only unacceptable, but in serious cases, can have a profound impact on our Veterans' health. Our Veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our great nation; it's time that the service they receive at the VA better reflect this country's gratitude."

"I'm proud to join Representative Jim Baird in introducing this vital piece of legislation to improve veterans' experiences and care with the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Congressman Salud Carbajal. "The bipartisan VA Same-Day Scheduling Act would require that veterans who make a phone call requesting care are able to schedule their appointment during that phone call. I've fought to improve VA telephone services for as long as I've been in Congress, and I will continue to champion this cause because our brave veterans deserve access to quality and timely care."

"No matter the conflict, our veterans never wasted a second jumping into the fight," Congressman Brian Mast said. "This country has a responsibility to treat veterans the same way by wasting no time in providing the care they need."

"For years VA medical facilities across the country have wasted our veterans precious time. Veterans should be able to receive the care they need when they need it," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "As a 24-year Army veteran and former Director of Public Health, I understand the serious medical issues facing many veterans. Our heroes sacrificed so much in service to our country; they deserve access to the care they need."

Background:

The VA Same-Day Scheduling Act improves veterans' experiences with the VA by prioritizing customer service. This commonsense legislation guarantees that any Veteran who makes a phone call requesting care is able to schedule their appointment during that phone call.

The VA Same-Day Scheduling Act is narrow in scope to guarantee priority for an established patient of the VA. This bill is also specific to care administered by the VA to avoid issues carrying out this task related to the community care system. The VA Same-Day Scheduling Act removes any ambiguity in scheduling VA-provided care over the telephone and provides the Department considerable flexibility by making the bill applicable 120 days after enactment, allowing ample time for appropriate adoption of this law.