Lankford Fights to Protect Community Care for Oklahoma Veterans

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) along with their colleagues introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act to require the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consider continuity of health care when deciding whether seeing a provider in the community is in a Veteran’s best medical interest.

“Community care is vital for Veterans in rural Oklahoma to receive consistent, reliable treatment. This policy from the Veterans Health Administration that suddenly revokes authorizations for community care without explanation is unacceptable and doesn’t account for the well-being of our heroes. The Ensuring Continuity in Veteran’s Health Act ensures that Veterans’ best medical interests are always the top priority,” said Lankford.

“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 Rubio.

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, and Veterans throughout the country have reported a loss of care. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Thune (R-SD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) are original cosponsors.

Last month, Lankford urged the VA Secretary Denis McDonough to quickly correct policy initiatives that are making it harder for Veterans to receive care. In 2018, Congress passed the MISSION Act, which increased access to care for Veterans by expanding their ability to be seen by healthcare providers in their communities. However, in recent months, VA leaders have been working to limit opportunities for community care for Veterans.

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