Huelskamp Questions VA Officials on Veterans Choice Implementation

Press Release

Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) today questioned Veterans Affairs officials and contractors in a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearing titled "Assessing the Promise and Progress of the Choice Program," which he helped author and pass in 2014.

In his questioning, Huelskamp highlighted how there are approximately 70 community hospitals in Kansas' Big First district, but zero VA hospitals. He noted even with his Veterans Choice legislation, many rural hospitals have difficulty joining the network of VA services, and pushed the VA and their contractors for solutions to expand access for Veterans in rural Kansas. The VA and their contractors assured Huelskamp of their commitment to expanding access in Kansas.

Huelskamp also addressed access to the new Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley that will open next year. Veterans and hospital employees have expressed frustration with the delayed and extended processes of access agreements between the VA and Department of Defense. VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson reassured Congressman Huelskamp, "we will work to make sure that we are building that relationship with Fort Riley."

Lastly, the Congressman pushed the VA to increase flexibility and expand exemptions to the current 40-mile restriction on Choice. Although the VA has Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Kansas, many provide only primary care and/or are open limited days of the week. Deputy Secretary Gibson agreed with the need for flexibility and promised to seek opportunities for increased access in rural Kansas.

Following the hearing, the Congressman issued the following statement:

"When we passed the Veterans Affairs Choice program, I knew implementation would be difficult. Today I continued my efforts to expand access for Veterans through community hospitals, local providers, and Department of Defense facilities. Let's hope the VA and its contractors will keep their promise to make the program work so Veterans can have access to the care they deserve."

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