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Posted: Jan 29, 2015 11:00 AMUpdated: Jan 29, 2015 11:00 AM

Mullin Introduces Bill to Benefit Veterans

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Charlie Taraboletti

MULLIN INTRODUCES VETS BILL  1/29/15 NOON  CHARLIE

Second-District Oklahoma Congressman Markwayne Mullin introduced a bill to fix problems that veterans from rural areas may encounter when using the new Veteran's Choice Program.  Mullin is partnering with Kansas Senator Jerry Moran to improve the plan from the VA.

Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 with the intention of providing veterans with the choice to access health care outside the VA when the burden of travel puts their well-being at risk.  Mullin's bill takes into account driving distance - not just 'as the crow flies' - when calculating the distance to a VA medical facility, as well as whether that facility can even provide the medical services a veteran needs.

AThe 2014 law passed in the wake of the wait-list scandal established the Veterans Choice Program for beneficiaries nationwide to access private care if they live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility. Veterans may also use their Choice Card if their appointment wait time is more than 30 days.  Many rural veterans still have trouble accessing care because of how the government measures the 40-miles or due to the nearest VA facility not offering services they need.

Mullin was made aware of this problem through conversations with Oklahoma veterans. Taking their concerns to the U.S. Capitol, the second-term lawmaker teamed up with Moran, who serves on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
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