Ernst Presses VA for Answers to VA MISSION Act Implementation
June marks two years since the landmark bipartisan legislation, that included Ernst’s bill to improve telehealth for veterans, was signed into law
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a veteran who served 23 years in the military between the Iowa National Guard and Army Reserves, is urging the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide an update on the implementation of the VA MISSION Act – landmark bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care services. The VA MISSION Act was signed into law two years ago this month.
In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Ernst writes: “As you know, June 2020 marks the two-year anniversary of the enactment of the VA MISSION Act. My colleagues and I designed this bipartisan legislation to reform the VA system to increase access to health care in VA facilities and in the community, reduce wait times, expand benefits for caregivers, and improve the VA’s ability to recruit and retain quality medical professionals. At this two-year mark, it is vital to ensure that this landmark legislation is being properly implemented, and that veterans are able to utilize and benefit from provisions under the bill.”
To read the full letter, click here.
The VA MISSION Act included Ernst’s bipartisan Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine (VETS) Act, which expanded telehealth services available to veterans in rural and underserved areas. Last June, Ernst marked the one year anniversary of the bill being signed into law and the beginning of implementation during a speech on the Senate floor.
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