Dent hosts summit to explore ways to improve veterans’ health care

A summit recently hosted by U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA) focused on identifying ways to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Choice Program and other veteran community care programs.

The summit, which was held at Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania, was attended by VA Secretary David Shulkin, other VA leaders, stakeholders from community health care institutions, and local veteran advocates and representatives.

“As Americans, we owe our lives to the selflessness and resilience of the men and women who have served in our armed forces,” Dent, the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON-VA), said.

Veterans deserve to have access to the highest quality of medical care possible, Dent said.

Earlier this month the House and Senate passed legislation that would eliminate the August 7 sunset date on the Veterans Choice Program, which lets veterans seek care at non-VA providers when wait times or commutes are too long for VA care. The president is expected to sign the measure into law.

The hearing also covered ways that Dent could personally help improve veterans’ care in his leadership role on the House Appropriations Committee. In addition, the group looked ahead at issues facing the fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill.

“A lot of progress has been made in our efforts to improve treatment and access issues within the VA,” Dent said. “However, there are still a number of areas that need additional attention. Secretary Shulkin, and the rest of the dedicated VA employees and health care providers here in Pennsylvania’s 15th congressional district and across the country, are committed to finding solutions that address these areas. I will work to ensure the VA is able to meet our commitment to provide quality care and treatment to America’s veterans.”

Dent said the summit was an important starting point for broader debate about the future of the VA and the health care services they provide to America’s veterans.

“The issues confronting the VA, Congress, and our veterans requires an approach that incorporates a broad set of feedback from all those involved. (Friday’s) conversation is one I look forward to continuing,” Dent said.