06.16.15

Sullivan Requests VA Oversight Hearing on Issues Facing Alaska Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to growing concerns over the implementation of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Choice Act program in Alaska, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) wrote the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), asking for an oversight hearing of the U.S. Veterans Administration to help identify the breakdown in implementation of the Choice Act program in Alaska.  

As a response to the long wait-time scandals at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs facility, the Choice Act was signed into law in 2014. However, due to Alaska’s unique needs, the Choice Act program is not delivering on the promise of improving access to care for Alaska’s veterans.  Senator Sullivan’s offices have received numerous complaints about the program from Alaska veterans.

“I want Alaska veterans to know that I have heard their concerns loud and clear,” Senator Sullivan said.  “I share the grave concerns of those who have called my office about the way the Choice Act is being implemented.  The one-size-fits-all model of the Choice Act does not adequately account for the unique dynamics of Alaska and our veterans.  Put simply: The Choice Program is just not working in Alaska right now.  As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I will use my position on the Committee to do everything in my power to ensure that our veterans continue to get the healthcare that they were promised and have earned.”

Senator Sullivan is a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.  To view the letter -- click here.

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