aamc.org does not support this web browser.
  • Washington Highlights

    House VA Committee Holds Oversight Hearing on Community Care 

    Contacts

    Andrew Herrin, Senior Legislative Analyst
    For Media Inquiries

    In a Jan. 22 hearing, “Restoring Focus: Putting Veterans First in Community Care,” the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee heard from individual veterans, family members, and organizations regarding the health care services provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community care program.   

    Committee Chair Mike Bost (R-Ill.) noted in his opening remarks that the community care program, enacted by the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-182) with bipartisan support, was designed to eliminate barriers to care and expand access for veterans nationwide. Witnesses highlighted delays in obtaining VA care, inadequate coordination of care within the community care program, lack of mental health care access, and the expansion of referrals within the community care program, leading to an increase in funds spent by the Veterans Health Administration on the program. Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.) noted that more than 40% of veteran care is now being delivered in the community, and the department is on track to spend more than $42 billion on private sector care this fiscal year.   

    The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a similar hearing on community care titled “Protecting Veteran Choice: Examining VA’s Community Care Program,” on Jan. 28.