Peace Garden News

Many veterans in rural areas face difficulties accessing timely and quality healthcare. To address this issue, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), both members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, have introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act. This legislation aims to provide a new option for veterans in rural America by allowing them to receive healthcare services at local rural hospitals or clinics through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Program.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018, creating a category that mandates care through community providers specifically for rural veterans residing within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic. These facilities are often the only available care options in rural communities but require prior authorization from the VA under current regulations.

Senator Cramer stated, “Many of our nation’s veterans live in rural areas and face significant barriers to getting the care they need.” He emphasized that their bill would remove unnecessary roadblocks, allowing veterans access to local hospitals or clinics already serving these communities.

Senator Sheehy added, “As a combat veteran myself, putting America’s veterans first is at the center of my mission.” He noted that the status quo has failed veterans in rural areas by leaving them without timely access to high-quality care.

The legislation also aims to prohibit tactics like prior authorization and referrals that delay care and create hurdles for veterans. It updates payment methodologies to align with Medicare's cost-based reimbursement rates, ensuring Critical Access Hospitals are not reimbursed less for treating veterans than other patients. Additionally, it allows referrals from Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health Clinics to other providers within the same community.

The bill has received support from various groups in North Dakota, including Unity Medical Center in Grafton and First Care Health Center in Park River. It is also endorsed by America’s Warrior Partnership and the National Rural Health Association.

A spokesperson from America's Warrior Partnership expressed strong support for the act, stating it "expands veterans’ access to local and timely healthcare" by removing prior authorization hurdles. Another supporter highlighted that nearly 3 million veterans reside in rural areas across the United States and that this bill would improve utilization of over 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals nationwide.

One veteran expressed gratitude towards Senator Cramer for his commitment to improving healthcare access for rural veterans: “Like many, I was hopeful when the Veteran’s Choice Program was introduced... Unfortunately, that hope gave way to frustration... That’s why this bill is so critical.”

The text of the bill can be accessed online.