Congress OKs bill to extend VA program widening private care
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress sent President Donald Trump legislation to temporarily extend a troubled program widening veterans' access to private-sector care, as the Department of Veterans Affairs prepares a broader revamp of health services.
VA Secretary David Shulkin says the money is needed for stopgap services while he puts together a longer-term plan to allow veterans to receive private health care more easily.
Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., who sponsored the House version, said the bill would give veterans "certainty and continuity of care while we work with the Trump administration to develop a strategic plan that ... utilizes the strengths of both VA and community health providers."
Major veterans' organizations and Democrats do not oppose a temporary extension of the Choice program, but they are closely watching the subsequent VA revamp of the program for signs the Trump administration may seek greater privatization.