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Congress Aims To Streamline Community Care For Veterans
Obtaining approval to see a doctor outside the VA system shouldn’t require multiple phone calls and extensive paperwork. Congress agrees, and they’re taking action to fix this broken process.
What’s Being Proposed
Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation to streamline community care access, especially for rural veterans who often live hundreds of miles from the nearest VA facility.
- Senator Kevin Cramer’s Bill: Would allow veterans living within 35 miles of rural hospitals to use their VA benefits there without needing referrals from VA staff. No more waiting for approval, just get the care you need.
- House Funding Increase: Congress has already approved $34.7 billion for community care programs in 2026, a 50% increase from previous years, demonstrating a serious commitment to expanding access.
- Streamlined Paperwork: Additional bills would reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that currently make veterans jump through hoops just to see local providers for ongoing conditions.
Funding Timeline
The House has already passed the funding increase, and the Senate included similar figures in its military spending budget, which passed on August 1st. The specific reform bills are currently working their way through committee processes.
Currently, 3 million veterans use community care each year, including 1.2 million rural veterans. But the approval process remains unnecessarily complex.
“My main concern is for veterans, not for the VA. I don’t believe we have an obligation to sustain the bureaucracy.” -Senator Cramer
Your Rights as a Veteran
While these reforms work through Congress, you don’t have to wait to get the care you deserve. Veterans Help Group is here to help you navigate the current system and fight for approvals you’re entitled to receive.
Facing delays or denials for community care or other VA disability benefits? Contact us HERE for a FREE case evaluation or call us at 855-855-8992 now.
Disabled Veteran Resources:
Why Does the VA Deny So Many Veteran Disability Claims?
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