Central ND News

The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee convened to discuss the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care program, highlighting the challenges veterans face in accessing healthcare services through both VA direct care systems and community providers.

In states like North Dakota, where VA facilities are limited, the Community Care Program serves as a crucial resource for veterans seeking timely care near their homes. However, obstacles persist that hinder access to this program.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) addressed these issues during the hearing, noting the healthcare industry's workforce shortage exacerbated by staffing mandates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "Access is not just about the quality of care. It’s about access, period, if the alternative is none," Cramer stated.

Cramer advocated for competition to enhance care quality, saying, “Whether it's a competition between the private sector and the public sector...I don't want to gut the VA's direct care system […] there are all kinds of barriers to Community Care.”

He highlighted examples from North Dakota where roadblocks prevent veterans from accessing Community Care. “If we put the choice in the hands of the veteran...the type of care they get will determine where they go,” he said.

Cramer proposed automatic access to critical hospitals with thin margins as an option for saving veterans who might otherwise face long travel distances for treatment. He queried Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, on this proposal's feasibility in rural areas.

Lorraine emphasized continuity of care involving family presence and nearby therapists as vital components: “We need to look at what's the best long-term outcome for a veteran...it may be your local hospital that [offers] continuity."