Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) has announced he is cosponsoring the Veterans Choice Improvement Act, a bill that addresses the systemic issues plaguing the Veteran’s Choice Program. This legislation makes the Choice Program permanent, ensures it is funded in advance, and consolidates the litany of existing programs. The legislation also encourages non-VA providers to participate in the program by instituting a new claims processing system to ensure medical providers are properly reimbursed in a timely manner.

“Congress passed the Choice Program with the goal of fixing the broken system and improving veterans’ access to care. Unfortunately, the agency’s mismanagement of this program has led to denial of care or delayed care for many Colorado veterans,” said Gardner. “I have repeatedly called on the VA to address the Choice Program’s poor implementation, and the Veterans Choice Improvement Act aims to solve the problems facing the VA by consolidating confusing programs, resolving claims processing issues, and allowing veterans to see their local providers. I will continue to work with my colleagues to hold the VA accountable and find solutions that will provide veterans with the health care they need and deserve.”