Bilirakis Continues Work to Expand Care Options for Veterans

Today, the Veterans' Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health continued efforts to improve the Choice program for Veterans. The subcommittee held a hearing to conduct oversight of provider networks under VA's plan to consolidate care in community programs. This is one of several hearings to evaluate VA's choice consolidation plan.

Members and witnesses discussed the VA's efforts to build a quality care network with federal partners, academic affiliates, and an external network of community providers for our Veterans. The subcommittee worked to determine whether the VA's efforts will be sufficient to increase access to care among Veteran patients.

Congressman Bilirakis questioned the panel on current efforts and potential ways to encourage provider networks to increase Veteran access.

"The Choice program was intended to significantly increase Veterans access and options for quality health care," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "As we've seen in our past hearings, and through conversations with our local heroes, the program has not been working as efficiently as intended. Today we gathered important insight into the VA's efforts and discussed how we may address the issues within the Choice program. I'm optimistic that our efforts will yield positive improvements to the program and help our nation's heroes receive the care they need and deserve."

Learn more about this hearing here and stay updated on future Choice Program hearings here.