WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today introduced his Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act to protect veterans who have chosen to utilize the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) over services inside the VA. Amid calls to shrink the VCCP and push veterans back into VA facilities, this bill would prevent disruption in care for veterans already receiving services from private providers.  Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

“Providing excellent care at VA facilities and providing flexibility are not opposing missions,” said Congressman Franklin. “The VA should continue investing in new clinics and recruiting specialists while also protecting veterans’ access to care outside the VA. Vets have earned their benefits—including the right to decide the care that works best for them. My bill will ensure continuity of care for veterans currently receiving services outside the VA, preventing the VA from abruptly terminating their coverage. It will also provide clarity and certainty for veterans who rely on community care and are concerned they’ll lose their doctor.  I thank Senator Rubio for leading this effort in the Senate, and I appreciate Chairman Bost’s support of this critical legislation.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and often have PTSD or other mental health issues as a result. Addressing mental health issues takes trust and time. The Ensuring Continuity in Veterans’ Health Act will ensure our veterans can continue receiving care from their long-term providers that they have established a trusted relationship with,” said Senator Rubio.

“When House Republicans passed and President Trump signed into law the bipartisan MISSION Act, its intent was clear – that veterans would now have access to the healthcare that best serves them – whether that is inside or outside VA. But under the Biden-Harris administration, veterans’ community care access is under attack,” said Chairman Bost. “I want to thank my friend and fellow veteran, Rep. Franklin, for his leadership in introducing the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act. This bill would rightfully reaffirm that veterans should keep their community doctors if they are happy with the care they are receiving, with no government bureaucratic headaches getting in the way, no matter who is in the White House. As Chairman, I look forward to moving this vitally important bill as soon as possible.”

“The brave men and women who put on our nation’s uniform are willing to lay down their lives for this country and our flag,” said Congressman Mast. “It’s only right for our government to do everything it can to get them the care they earned and deserve. The Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act is a step in the right direction. It will give veterans more choices when it comes to healthcare and ensure they are not hamstrung by bureaucratic red tape.”

“In rural areas like North Dakota, access to care is vital,” said Congressman Armstrong. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation and remove barriers to rural healthcare and improve access to mental health services for our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation.” 

“When the MISSION Act was signed into law under the Trump Administration, it gave veterans greater control over their health care and provided more quality choices within their communities,” said Congressman Webster. “This legislation protects the progress made by requiring the consideration of continuity health care, ensuring veterans can continue receiving community care without disruption. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay, and I am committed to ensuring they receive the care they have earned.”

"Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect and serve our country," said Congressman Rutherford. "It remains my mission in Congress to ensure they get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. That's why I am proud to join Rep. Franklin on this legislation to allow for continued community care, prevent disruptions in treatment, and provide convenient providers for our veterans."

“I’m proud to support the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which allows our brave men and women who have selflessly served our country to continue accessing quality medical care and treatment. The areas that I represent in Collier and Miami-Dade County have some of the largest veteran communities and supporting them has always been a priority for me. I remain committed to ensuring our veterans have access to the services and resources they deserve,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart.

Specifically, this legislation would amend Title 38 of the United States Code to require the consideration of “continuity of care” in determining “best medical interest” under the Veterans Community Care Program.  This bill would:

1.     Allow veterans to continue accessing community care for services they already receive;

2.     Prevent disruptions for veterans receiving specialized treatments from community care providers, such as mental health care; and

3.     Provide veterans with the most convenient providers.

During the Trump Administration, the VA created a program to allow certain veterans to choose healthcare options outside the VA. This resulted in the creation of the VCCP program, which was codified into statute as part of the MISSION Act and signed into law by President Trump in 2018.

The Biden-Harris VA and Congressional Democrats have made repeated calls to cut funding and access to the VCCP, forcing many veterans back into the VA. This has created challenges for veterans receiving specialized care and services from community care providers. 

Florida veterans continue to face challenges when seeeking approval for community care services. The VA insists there have been no changes to the VCCP.  However, VA cites a recent ramp up in healthcare providers and personnel, as well as the deployment of additional clinics in Jacksonville, Tampa, Daytona and Pensacola as the reason many veterans are denied access to community care.

Original cosponsors include: Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL); Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL); Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY); Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND); Rep. Mike Bost (R-IN); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL); Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX); Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA); and Rep. Diaz-Balart (R-FL).

Read bill text here.

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