Blackburn, Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.),and their colleagues introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans' Health Act to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consider continuity of healthcare when deciding whether seeing a provider in the community is in a veteran's best medical interest.

As the VA opens up new facilities, many veterans are losing access to the VA's Community Care Program and, consequently, their long-term healthcare providers. Veterans throughout the country have reporteda loss of care.

"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," said Senator Blackburn.

"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," said Senator Rubio.

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

BACKGROUND:

• Community Care allows veterans to go to regular doctors in their community when the VA cannot provide the care needed. Community Care is based on specific eligibility requirements, the availability of VA care, and the needs and circumstances of individual veterans.

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.) co-sponsored this legislation.

The full text of the bill is here.

https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2024/8/blackburn-rubio-colleagues-introduce-ensuring-continuity-in-veterans-health-act