Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of legislation aimed at improving access to medical care for rural veterans. House Resolution 1527, The Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans living in highly rural areas to receive covered services through non-VA providers.
The bill defines a highly rural veteran as one who lives 60 miles from VA primary care services, 120 miles from the nearest VA facility providing acute hospital care, or more than 240 miles from the nearest VA facility providing tertiary care. The measure would prevent rural veterans from having to travel great distances to visit the VA center and allow them instead to be able to receive primary health care in their own community.
The legislation has been approved by the House Veterans Affairs Committee and is currently awaiting consideration on the House floor.