Central ND News

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Tim Sheehy have introduced the Critical Access for Veterans Care Act, aiming to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. The bill seeks to amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018, creating a new category that allows veterans living within 35 miles of a Critical Access Hospital or Rural Health Clinic to receive care through community providers without prior authorization from the VA.

Senator Cramer highlighted the challenges faced by rural veterans: "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 aims to remove these roadblocks, allowing veterans easier access to local hospitals and clinics.

Senator Sheehy, himself a combat veteran, stated: "For too long, the status quo has failed veterans, especially in rural communities." He stressed Congress's duty to ensure that veterans have timely access to high-quality care.

The legislation also proposes updates to payment methodologies so that Critical Access Hospitals are reimbursed similarly to Medicare rates. It allows referrals from these hospitals or clinics within their communities without additional hurdles like prior authorization.

The bill has received support from several organizations including Unity Medical Center in Grafton, First Care Health Center in Park River, America’s Warrior Partnership, and the National Rural Health Association. These groups recognize it as a necessary step toward improving healthcare access for rural veterans.

America’s Warrior Partnership praised the bill: "This essential legislation expands veterans’ access to local and timely healthcare," while other supporters expressed hope for improved utilization of over 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals across rural America.

A veteran commented on past frustrations with programs like the Veteran’s Choice Program but expressed optimism about this new initiative: "That’s why this bill is so critical. It acknowledges the unique challenges rural veterans face."

The proposed legislation aims not only at aiding individual veterans but also at enhancing community-based care systems throughout rural regions.