Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin of Florida has reintroduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, aiming to protect veterans who opt for the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) instead of services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Senator Tommy Tuberville has introduced a similar bill in the Senate.

“Those who bravely served our nation deserve a healthcare system that provides timely access to quality care,” said Congressman Franklin. “Our veterans should be empowered to choose the care that works best for them, whether inside or outside the VA. I’m proud to reintroduce my bill, the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which builds upon President Trump’s MISSION Act. It will eliminate red tape that disrupts VA benefits and remove any Biden Administration hurdles that forced veterans back into inconvenient healthcare options. It will also make it easier for veterans to receive timely access to personalized treatment and services regardless of where they live. I thank Senator Tommy Tuberville for leading this effort in the Senate and for my colleagues’ support of this critical legislation.”

Senator Tuberville expressed his concerns about bureaucratic obstacles affecting veteran care under the current administration: “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and deserve access to quick and quality care,” he stated. “Under the Biden-Harris VA, we witnessed an exasperation of bureaucratic red tape, which has put our veterans’ health at risk. Allowing veterans to see their local doctor alleviates wait and drive times, especially for those who do not live close to a VA facility. I’m proud to introduce the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act and will keep fighting to put our veterans first.”

The proposed legislation seeks amendments to Title 38 of the United States Code by incorporating "continuity of care" into considerations of "best medical interest" under VCCP guidelines. The bill aims to allow ongoing access to community care services already being received by veterans, prevent disruptions in specialized treatments such as mental health care from community providers, and ensure convenience by providing access to nearby providers.

The VCCP program was initially established during President Trump's administration through the MISSION Act signed into law in 2018, allowing certain veterans more flexibility in choosing healthcare options outside traditional VA facilities.

Franklin originally introduced this legislation in 2024 with original cosponsors including Representatives Daniel Webster (R-FL), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Jim Baird (R-IN), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), John Rutherford (R-FL), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Vern Buchanan (R-FL).