Shaheen Statement on Extension of the Veterans Choice Program

(Washington DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement on the extension of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Choice program after it was signed into law by President Trump:

“Our veterans deserve nothing less than convenient, quality, accessible health care, yet in New Hampshire, too many veterans are burdened with long travel and even longer wait times,” said Senator Shaheen. “I supported the Veterans Choice Improvement Act to extend the Veterans Choice program while the VA makes urgently needed improvements to ensure our veterans receive the care they need. In New Hampshire, the Choice Card program needs to be streamlined to improve access for veterans seeking appointments and provider reimbursements, which is why I introduced legislation last year to help address the persistent payment delays. I will continue my work in the Senate to improve the Veterans Choice program so that New Hampshire’s veterans can receive quality, timely care closer to home.”

Last year, Shaheen introduced legislation to streamline and simplify the billing process for reimbursing health care providers administering care to veterans in the Veterans Affairs Choice Card Program. Shaheen’s legislation would reduce the number of rejected and delayed claims by ending the VA’s requirement that providers submit medical records prior to receiving payment, bringing the Choice Card program in line with other federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid. She previously wrote to then-VA Secretary Robert McDonald calling on him to immediately address the Choice Card reimbursement delays.