Underwood Works to Improve Wait Times for Veterans at VA Facilities
WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) joined members of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs to address wait times for veterans seeking care at VA facilities. In her remarks, Underwood highlighted a recent survey of 14th District veterans in which she learned the vast majority of respondents are satisfied with the quality of care at local VA facilities. Despite hearing many local success stories, wait times remain a serious concern for veterans seeking care across the nation. Data shows that in 2017 the average wait time for VA appointments was almost 18 days.
"Connecting veterans to timely care at the VA is especially important as we work to address the veteran suicide crisis," said Underwood. "It's important that veterans who receive VA-funded community care from private-sector providers receive equal or better care than they would from the VA".
Full video of Underwood's remarks can be found here.
As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Underwood has continued to work to improve veterans' access to care. In April, Underwood introduced the Veterans' Care Quality Transparency Act to address the national veteran suicide crisis and ensure veterans receive high-quality mental health and suicide prevention services. In May, this bill passed the House will bipartisan support. Additionally, Underwood has introduced the Caring for Women Veterans Act to improve women veterans access to quality health care from VA facilities.
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