South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act today alongside Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL). The legislation aims to protect veterans who utilize the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) instead of services within the VA. This bill seeks to prevent disruptions in care for veterans currently receiving services from private providers amid calls to reduce the VCCP and push veterans back into VA facilities. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“When the MISSION Act was signed into law under the Trump Administration, it gave veterans greater control over their health care and provided more quality choices within their communities,” said Congressman Webster. “This legislation protects the progress made by requiring the consideration of continuity health care, ensuring veterans can continue receiving community care without disruption. We owe our veterans a debt we can never repay, and I am committed to ensuring they receive the care they have earned.”

“Providing excellent care at VA facilities and providing flexibility are not opposing missions,” said Congressman Franklin. “The VA should continue investing in new clinics and recruiting specialists while also protecting veterans’ access to care outside the VA. Vets have earned their benefits—including the right to decide the care that works best for them. My bill will ensure continuity of care for veterans currently receiving services outside the VA, preventing the VA from abruptly terminating their coverage. It will also provide clarity and certainty for veterans who rely on community care and are concerned they’ll lose their doctor. I thank Senator Rubio for leading this effort in the Senate, and I appreciate Chairman Bost’s support of this critical legislation.”

Specifically, this legislation would amend Title 38 of the United States Code to require consideration of “continuity of care” in determining “best medical interest” under the Veterans Community Care Program. This bill would:

- Allow veterans to continue accessing community care for services they already receive.

- Prevent disruptions for veterans receiving specialized treatments from community care providers, such as mental health care.

- Provide veterans with convenient providers.

During President Trump's administration, a program was created allowing certain veterans to choose healthcare options outside of VA facilities, resulting in VCCP's creation codified into statute as part of the MISSION Act signed into law by President Trump in 2018.

The Biden-Harris administration's VA and Congressional Democrats have repeatedly called to cut funding and access to VCCP, forcing many veterans back into VA facilities—creating challenges for those receiving specialized services from community providers.

Despite these challenges, Florida veterans continue facing difficulties when seeking approval for community care services. The VA maintains there have been no changes to VCCP but cites an increase in healthcare providers and personnel along with additional clinics deployed in Jacksonville, Tampa, Daytona, and Pensacola as reasons many are denied access.

Additional co-introducers include: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL); Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY); Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND); Rep. Mike Bost (R-IN); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL); Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX); Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA); and Rep Diaz-Balart (R-FL).