U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released a discussion draft on Tuesday of legislation that would reform and modernize how veterans receive health care.
The Caring for Our Heroes in the 21st Century Act discussion draft, which has not yet been introduced in the House of Representatives, would establish the Veterans Accountable Care Organization to enable veterans to access private health insurance plans.
“Every day I hear from veterans in Eastern Washington who are struggling to work with the VA,” McMorris Rodgers said. “We have a profound obligation to honor the service of our veterans and ensure that our heroes’ sacrifices shouldn’t continue after their tours of duty end. With the never ending wait times and the VA secretary doubling down on his comparison to Disney, the time has long passed for the VA to make the necessary changes to ensure that our veterans are treated effectively, seen efficiently, and cared for with respect. Veterans should be freed from a system that offers them little or no choice.”
The goal of the draft legislation, McMorris Rodgers said, is to ensure that veterans have the ability to choose healthcare plans that best fit their individual needs.
“This proposal should serve as the starting point for putting veterans in charge of their health care,” McMorris Rodgers said. “I look forward to receiving feedback from veterans and the organizations that represent them, so we can ensure veterans receive the health care they deserve and have earned in a timely manner.”