Central ND News

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Angus King (I-ME) have introduced the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act, a bill aimed at providing travel assistance to veterans living in highly rural areas for VA-authorized health care appointments. The legislation seeks to reauthorize the VA Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program for five years and expand eligibility to Tribal Organizations.

The HRTG Program offers transportation services to veterans residing in areas with less than seven people per square mile, and it is provided free of charge to those who live in eligible zones. Lonnie Wangen, Commissioner of the ND Department of Veterans Affairs, has highlighted the significance of the program in addressing transportation barriers for veterans. Wangen stated, "The number one reason our veterans have for missing a medical appointment is their lack of transportation. The Highly Rural Transportation Grant has provided hundreds of North Dakota's highly rural veterans transportation to their VA medical appointments. This program has greatly improved the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable veterans."

The bill's introduction comes as a response to the needs of rural and highly rural veterans who often face challenges in accessing healthcare services due to distance and limited availability of healthcare facilities and professionals in rural areas. Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the HRTG Program, stating, "North Dakota is home to many rural and highly rural veterans who rely on transportation assistance to access their healthcare services. Reauthorizing the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program will ensure veterans have the ability to travel to their medical appointments, facilitating access to the care they've earned."

Senator King echoed these sentiments, noting that rural veterans in Maine also face significant barriers to healthcare access. He stated, "The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act would provide travel assistance for veterans in rural areas to attend their appointments at VA-authorized facilities. As we work to ensure veterans have easy and efficient access to their benefits, this legislation will ensure that no matter where veterans choose to live, they have the opportunity to visit with their healthcare professionals."

The bill has garnered support from various organizations, including the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion (TAL), and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Nancy Espinosa, DAV National Commander, expressed the organization's support, stating, "DAV is proud to support the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act as it would help the VA provide all rural veterans better access to treatment. We applaud Sen. Cramer and Sen. King's leadership in introducing this important legislation that will help ensure our nation keeps its promises to America's veterans."

Jose Ramos, WWP's Vice President of Government and Community Relations, also commended the bill, saying, "Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is proud to support the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act. From our Annual Warrior Survey 2022, we know that access to VA care, including facility distance and available transportation, is a significant challenge for many veterans who live in rural areas. Sen. Cramer's bill is an important step forward in helping rural veterans achieve greater access to healthcare services and, ultimately, a higher quality of life."

The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act aims to address the unique obstacles faced by rural and highly rural veterans in accessing healthcare. By reauthorizing the VA Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program and expanding eligibility, the bill seeks to ensure that veterans in these areas have the necessary transportation assistance to attend their medical appointments. The legislation represents a significant step towards fulfilling the nation's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to all veterans, regardless of their geographic location.