Tags: Veterans Affairs, VA Community Care, Rural Health Access, Non-VA Medical Clinics, VA Health Reform, Chiropractic Care for Veterans, Military Healthcare Benefits
Lawmakers Push to Expand Access to Non-VA Healthcare for Veterans
Efforts in Congress are ramping up to make it easier for U.S. veterans—especially those in rural areas—to access healthcare services outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Proposed legislation from Republican senators would allow veterans to seek treatment at nearby non-VA clinics and hospitals without cumbersome approval processes.
Currently, millions of veterans rely on VA facilities, but critics say delays, distance, and limited services leave many without timely or adequate care. The proposed reforms aim to fix that.
Veterans Struggle With Bureaucratic Hurdles for Basic Care
John-Paul Sager, a Marine Corps and Army veteran, regularly seeks chiropractic care to manage chronic pain from his military service. While the VA covers his treatment at a private clinic in Waterloo, Iowa, Sager says the process of getting approval can involve multiple phone calls and frustrating delays.
“It seems like it takes entirely too long,” Sager said, expressing a sentiment shared by many rural veterans who are required to get VA referrals, even for routine or recurring treatments.
New Bills Target Red Tape and Long Travel Times
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced a bill that would allow veterans living within 35 miles of a rural “critical access” hospital to use VA benefits there without prior VA authorization. Cramer highlighted that some veterans in North Dakota must drive hundreds of miles to the nearest VA hospital while passing by several community hospitals along the way.
“This doesn’t make any sense at all,” Cramer said. “My main concern is for veterans, not for the VA.”
Supporters say these changes would save time, expand access, and better utilize existing local health infrastructure—especially in underserved areas.
Critics Fear Erosion of VA’s Core System
Not everyone is on board. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the ranking Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, warns that diverting funds to private care could weaken the VA’s ability to deliver specialized, veteran-focused care.
“We must prevent funds from being siphoned away from veterans’ hospitals and clinics,” he said. “Veterans cannot afford for us to dismantle VA direct care.”
Organizations like Disabled American Veterans agree that while improvements are needed, the VA should remain the primary care provider. Their concern is that increased private spending will lead to diminished resources for VA facilities already struggling with staff shortages.
Local Clinics Support Reform, But Paperwork Is a Barrier
Linda Gill, office manager at Vanderloo Chiropractic Clinic, said her team treats about a dozen veterans through the VA community care program. While the reimbursement rates are fair, she said the administrative burden is heavy.
“It’s frustrating,” she noted, adding that they’ve considered leaving the program due to the complexity—but continue because of the veterans they serve.
Veterans like Sager appreciate the VA’s mission and care, but they hope the system can evolve to better meet modern needs. “You just feel like you’re being taken care of by your own,” he said. “But it shouldn’t be so hard to get basic care nearby.”
Bipartisan Support for Reforming Community Care Access
With growing bipartisan momentum, the House has already approved a $34.7 billion funding boost for the VA community care program in 2026—a nearly 50% increase from 2025. The Senate has passed a similar measure.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins has pledged to strengthen both the community care program and the existing VA hospital system. Lawmakers and advocates agree: veterans deserve fast, accessible, and quality care—whether that’s through the VA or a clinic just down the road.
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