Marquette, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has introduced legislation to address reported problems in the federal Veterans Choice program.
Stabenow introduced the Veterans Deserve Better Act this week to hold the Veterans Administration accountable to ensure that the issues are addressed quickly.
Stabenow called in to the SUNNY Morning Show with Walt & Mike today to discuss the legislation at length.
She said she developed and introduced the bill after repeated complaints from providers, veterans, and hospitals across the state.
Stabenow added that the legislation seeks to address the issues in three ways:
First, it will reduce wait times for veterans by requiring that appointments be made within five days and making sure veterans seeking care have the information they need in advance of scheduling an appointment.
Second, it will require the United States Department of VA to hold private contractors accountable for the care they schedule on behalf of veterans, and ensure reporting and follow-up of delayed appointments.
Third, it will require prompt payment to Veterans Choice Program providers by requiring the VA to pay for or deny payment within 30 days of receiving an electronic claim or 45 days of receiving a paper claim.
LISTEN IN – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow with more about the Veterans Deserve Better Act.
