Update on VA Program Funding and New Act

On Tuesday, May 15, a House panel advanced a reform package for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would overhaul access to private sector care outside the VA health system. The legislation, called the VA Mission Act, advanced through the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee by a 20-2 vote, a key first step to get the bill to President Trump for a signature before the end of the month. The bill would expand the number of veterans who are eligible to see private sector health specialists, as well as entitle veterans enrolled in the VA system to see a private doctor twice a year without a copay. It also contains $5.2 billion to keep the Veterans Choice Program funded until the new system can be implemented. Without action, the program will run out of money by May 31. Read more at http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/health-insurance/386761-house-panel-advances-veterans-health-reform-bill.