Loebsack pushed for this change to ensure Vets receive care they have earned, regardless of where they live
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the announcement by the Veterans Administration (VA) that it will change the calculation used to determine the distance between a Veteran's residence and the nearest VA medical facility from a straight line distance to driving distance. The Veterans Choice Program, which was included in the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (VACAA), is a new, temporary benefit that allows eligible Veterans to receive health care in their communities rather than waiting for a VA appointment or traveling to a VA facility. Loebsack has been pushing for this change, which is expected to roughly double the number of eligible Veterans.
"Today's announcement is welcome news for many veterans who live in rural areas and have to drive a long ways to get needed medical attention," said Loebsack. "I heard directly from many veterans about the need for this change during the forums I hosted across Iowa and am glad to see the VA has acted. I strongly believe that there is no greater responsibility we have as a nation than to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they served."
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