Senators introduce VA health care bill

Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) yesterday introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act (S. 2184), legislation to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system and better integrate VA services and community care programs. According to a legislative summary, the bill would consolidate VA community care authorities and create a single program to deliver hospital care, medical services and extended care services to veterans in their communities. The bill also would establish a prompt payment process for community provider services; expand access to walk-in care and telemedicine; clarify that VA could share records with non-department providers for the purpose of furnishing care; and increase the number of graduate medical education residency positions, among other provisions.