Program Allowing Veterans To Seek Care Outside VA Health System Extended
President Donald Trump signed the extension of the Veterans Choice Act on Wednesday. There won't be much noticeable change from the action, but a new bill dubbed "Choice 2.0" is slated to be introduced to Congress in the fall.
The Wall Street Journal:
Trump Signs Legislation Extending Private-Care Program For Veterans
President Donald Trump signed an extension of a Department of Veterans Affairs law on Wednesday to continue a program that helps veterans seek health care outside the VA system. The original legislation, commonly known as the Veterans Choice Act, was slated to expire in August. The measure signed Wednesday by Mr. Trump extends the program until the remaining funds are used, which is expected to happen by the end of the year. (Kesling, 4/19)
Reuters:
Trump Extends Program Allowing Some Veterans To Use Local Doctors, Hospitals
President Donald Trump on Wednesday moved a step closer to fulfilling his campaign promise to reform the troubled Veterans Affairs department, but some veterans groups are concerned that the administration may be working toward privatizing their healthcare. (Lambert, 4/19)
Previous KHN Coverage: Trump Extends Flawed ‘Fix’ For VA Health Scandals
In other news on veterans' health care —
NPR:
Veterans Gain Health Coverage Through The Affordable Care Act
Almost half a million veterans gained health care coverage during the first two years of the Affordable Care Act, a report finds. In the years leading up to the implementation of the ACA's major coverage provisions, from 2010 to 2013, nearly 1 million of the nation's approximately 22 million veterans didn't have health insurance. (Boddy, 4/19)
