WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation to improve healthcare access for rural veterans. The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act would provide travel assistance for veterans living in highly rural areas to VA-authorized health care appointments. Specifically, the bill would reauthorize the VA Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program for five years and add Tribal Organizations as entities eligible to apply for the program. (The HRTG Program provides transportation services in areas with less than seven people per square mile and is available at no cost for Veterans who live in eligible zones.)

“Rural Maine folks already face many challenges accessing affordable, quality healthcare because of both their distance to medical facilities and the availability of healthcare workers in rural areas,” Senator King said. “The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act would provide travel assistance for veterans in rural areas to attend their appointments at VA-authorized facilities. As we work to ensure veterans have easy and efficient access to their benefits, this legislation will ensure that no matter where veterans choose to live, they have the opportunity to visit with their healthcare professionals.”

“North Dakota is home to many rural and highly rural veterans who rely on transportation assistance to access their healthcare services,” said Senator Cramer. “Reauthorizing the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program will ensure veterans have the ability to travel to their medical appointments, whether in the community care setting or at VA directly, facilitating access to the care they’ve earned.”

Just this month, in an SVAC hearing, Senator King pressed VA officials on the need to improve transportation reimbursements for veterans receiving care at vet centers.

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he has previously pressed Pentagon officials on the need to prioritize the transition from active duty to veteran status. Senator King has worked to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, the John Scott Hannon Act and the introduction of the bipartisan TAP Promotion Act.

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