Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today reintroduced his Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act to protect veterans who choose to utilize the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) over services inside the VA. Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced the companion legislation in the Senate.

“Those who bravely served our nation deserve a healthcare system that provides timely access to quality care,” said Congressman Franklin. “Our veterans should be empowered to choose the care that works best for them, whether inside or outside the VA. I’m proud to reintroduce my bill, the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which builds upon President Trump’s MISSION Act. It will eliminate red tape that disrupts VA benefits and remove any Biden Administration hurdles that forced veterans back into inconvenient healthcare options. It will also make it easier for veterans to receive timely access to personalized treatment and services regardless of where they live. I thank Senator Tommy Tuberville for leading this effort in the Senate and for my colleagues’ support of this critical legislation.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and deserve access to quick and quality care,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). “Under the Biden-Harris VA, we witnessed an exasperation of bureaucratic red tape, which has put our veterans’ health at risk. Allowing veterans to see their local doctor alleviates wait and drive times, especially for those who do not live close to a VA facility. I’m proud to introduce the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act and will keep fighting to put our veterans first.”

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 VCCP. 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.

Protecting the VCCP program for veterans already enrolled in the program after Biden-era challenges will provide clarity and ensure quality and timely care options for those in rural areas and locations where the VA experiences backlogs. 

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 in 2018. 

Franklin first introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act in 2024. 

Original cosponsors include: Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL); Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-TX); Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL); Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ); Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ); and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL). 

###