Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin has reintroduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, aiming to safeguard veterans who prefer the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) over services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Senator Tommy Tuberville has introduced similar legislation 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 echoed these sentiments: "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and deserve access to quick and quality care. 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 would amend Title 38 of the United States Code by incorporating "continuity of care" as a factor when determining "best medical interest" under VCCP guidelines. The bill aims to allow continued community care access for existing services, prevent disruptions in specialized treatments like mental health care from community providers, and offer convenient provider options.

This initiative seeks to address challenges faced during Biden's administration by ensuring clarity and improving service accessibility for rural-area veterans or those facing VA backlogs.

The VCCP was established during Trump's administration through a program allowing certain veterans healthcare choices outside VA facilities. This program was formalized with the MISSION Act signed into law in 2018.

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