Pelican State News

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) on May 17 introduced the Veteran’s True Choice Act of 2023 to expand access to health care options for veterans by allowing them to use community care providers if the Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in their community does not offer services they need. Veterans with service-related conditions would be able to use TRICARE Select and TRICARE for Life if they are Medicare eligible instead of participating in the VA health care system.

“Our brave veterans should never go without necessary health care, but far too often that is the case. I’ve introduced the Veteran’s True Choice Act to expand access to health care options for Americans who heroically served in our military, so that vets can get the care they deserve,” said Kennedy.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives.

“As someone who utilizes the VA system myself, I know the frustration veterans in Southwest Florida experience when dealing with the VA. Florida's 17th district is home to 75,000 veterans, including many who feel underserved or wrongly served. My legislation gives those who served our country what they deserve—true choice when it comes to their healthcare. I’m appreciative of the partnership of Senator Kennedy and I look forward to delivering this legislative solution to America’s veterans,” said Steube.

The legislation would:

1. Direct the VA to reimburse the Department of Defense accordingly for the cost of care.
2. Give patients more individual choice among providers in their communities by enabling them to use TRICARE.

Full text of the legislation is available here.  

Original source can be found here.