NEW POLL: Majority of Americans support law to ensure veterans have permanent access to care outside of VA
ARLINGTON, Va. ― In conjunction with YouGov, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) on Wednesday released a new annual poll of veterans, military families, and the general public, which gauged opinions on veterans’ health care issues. The poll found broad consensus among the three groups surveyed on how America could better honor the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans by expanding their health care options through permanent access standards for care outside of the VA.
CVA’s Executive Director, John Vick, had this to say about the survey results:
“Even as Americans remain divided on many issues, there remains a consensus on the value of giving veterans more control over their VA health care benefits. Elected policy makers would be wise to take note of these trends in public opinion and should feel confident supporting legislation like the Veterans’ ACCESS Act that would ensure veterans have the health care freedom they deserve.”
There is a strong sense amongst Americans polled that veterans should be allowed to take their VA health care benefits outside the VA to get care. 75% of those polled would support a law (The Veterans’ ACCESS Act) that sets access standards clearly to better define when care can and cannot be sought outside the VA health care system. Notably, over 70% polled think access standards should be made permanent.
“CVA has long worked to ensure veterans have better access to care and more options for how and where they receive it. The VA’s priority should always be removing barriers so veterans get the care they’ve earned. While challenges remain in fully implementing the 2018 VA MISSION Act, it’s encouraging to see growing support from leaders in Congress. We will continue working alongside them and mobilizing our grassroots army to push the Veterans’ ACCESS Act through the finish line and signed into law by President Trump by Veterans Day.”
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