Tom Rooney Backs VA Medical Center Reforms

With the VA medical facilities under question in recent weeks, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., who served in the Army and now sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, announced his support for the Veteran-Centered Access to Coordinated Health Care Act. The bill would ensure the VA secretary sets up contracts with non-VA medical care when it is not capable of providing services for geographical, capacity or timeliness reasons" and expand Project ARCH (Access Received Closer to Home), a pilot program in five states focused on veterans who live out of driving distance to VA facilities.

The secret waiting lists in Arizona and other VA facilities arent isolated incidents they are indicative of widespread problems at the VA in delivering care to veterans when they need it, where they need it, Rooney said on Wednesday. I have heard from veterans across my district who have been forced to wait months to see a doctor or begin needed, lifesaving treatment. Veterans in Floridas heartland have to travel long distances for simple examinations and procedures. This is unacceptable.

Just like veterans can take their GI benefits and go to any accredited school of their choosing, they should be able to take their health care benefits and go to any licensed doctor, especially when the VA cant treat them in a timely manner, Rooney added. By allowing the VA to contract with non-VA providers, we can ensure that our veterans get the care they need, when they need it.