WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) joined Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) in introducing the Protecting Veterans Community Care Act, legislation that strengthens the existing Community Care program, limits the VA’s ability to restrict access to care in the community, and requires the VA to track relevant Community Care data and provide those statistics to Congress. 

“We owe it to our veterans to make sure they receive the quality health care that they have earned,” said Rep. Finstad. “I’m proud to join Rep. Zinke in introducing the Protecting Veteran Community Care Act, which will increase health care options for southern Minnesota veterans – especially those who reside in rural areas – by strengthening the Community Care program and ensuring those who have served our country have improved access to the highest quality of health care.”  

“The very program created to take care of our veterans should be the last obstacle standing in their way,” said Rep. Zinke. “Montana’s vets deserve the best, quickest, and most updated version of healthcare we can give them and expanding access to Community Care does exactly that. Whether it’s mental health, physical therapy or emergency medicine, the ability for one to see a doctor when they need it no doubt will save lives and give strength to veterans and their families.”

The Protecting Veterans Community Care Act is supported by the American Legion, Concerned Veterans for America, and the Independence Fund.            

Background:
The 2018 VA MISSION Act was a landmark piece of legislation that overhauled the VA Choice Program to provide veterans with improved access to healthcare. Unfortunately, the VA continues to fall short on the complete and proper implementation of the MISSION Act, which has resulted in the need for Congress to strengthen existing authorities to ensure that the VA isn’t restricting care in the community for veterans who need it most.