New Veterans Care Act Would be Historic

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is promising an historic overhaul to the health care veterans receive, with or without a VA hospital. “If a veteran has to wait too long, they should be able to go to the doctor of their choice,” he told a group of former soldiers today at a local American Legion post. “The VA hospital has been a monopoly, bureaucratic and didn’t serve its clientele,” Graham said. His proposed bill, called the veterans’ access to care through choice, accountability and transparency act of 2014, would allow vets to seek care from outside, government sponsored health care providers for a two year period. Former soldiers would be given a card and may access care other than the v-a hospital if: they are unable to get an appointment within the VA’s current wait time goals; or, if a veteran resides more than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility. Graham also believes this would speed up the removal of senior executives who “are failing our veterans.” Those we spoke with say this is an important first step, that’s long overdue. “It’s been a long time coming,” said former soldier, Mary Louise Resch. “This has been needed since the end of the Vietnam conflict in the 70’s.” “There are a lot of doctors who don’t take medicare patients anymore. We can give veterans a card where they have access to doctors. Now, we need to make sure there are enough doctors to take the veterans.” While the kinks will need to be worked out, Graham says if put into law, South Carolina’s veterans will receive medical treatment the way they see fit. “No longer will you wait and die in the process,” said Graham.