Central ND News

Every year, around 200,000 men and women transition from U.S. military service to civilian life. In response, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mike Rounds (R-SD), has introduced the Servicemember to Veteran Health Care Connection Act.

The proposed legislation aims to formalize and enhance the existing pre-transition health care registration process by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This measure is designed to ensure that transitioning service members have timely access to mental and physical health care upon leaving military service.

Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of this initiative: “As service members in North Dakota and across the U.S. return to civilian life, we must ensure they have access to critical health care services and resources before a time of crisis.” He further stated that the bipartisan effort would allow veterans to use their earned benefits more proactively.

Senator King also expressed support for the bill, highlighting its role in delivering necessary health benefits without delay: “Our servicemembers continually put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and they deserve the very best care and support long after they retire the uniform.”

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Duckworth noted: “Veterans represent the best of our country. Our men and women in uniform have made incredible sacrifices so that we can be free, and we have a responsibility to fulfill our commitment to them once their service is complete.”

The act seeks to address potential lapses in care during the transition from military to civilian life by initiating VA health care program enrollment before service members officially leave active duty.