Jerry Moran

It is a significant problem. I recognize that the proposal to have veterans schedule themselves seems like, to me, perhaps a common-sense solution.

There can be no delay in the contact between a provider and the veteran.

One of the reasons that CHOICE ultimately became MISSION, was enacted by Congress, signed by the President into law, was the lack of providers, adequate number of providers within the VA.

There can be no delay in the contact between a provider and the veteran.

Thank you, Chairman, as well as Senator Boozman, for introducing the VA CAREERS Act.

It is a significant problem. I recognize that the proposal to have veterans schedule themselves seems like, to me, perhaps a common-sense solution.

I have continued concerns about the capabilities and the support for community care.

I still am looking for the way to make sure that those who have a better option have no impediments toward getting that care.

I do not want to do anything that undercuts the importance of the VA healthcare delivery system in-house.

There is not a consistent application of the MISSION Act across the country and even across the VISN that I live in.

I am in my continual mission of trying to utilize the MISSION Act in a way that it was intended.

Let me tell you about a hearing we had last week in this Committee. The topic was substance use disorder.

I did not accept that. I said, let me try. Let me call. Let me do something.

And are there other reasons? Perhaps you are suggesting that a provider within the VA would be reluctant to make the referral because the lack of communication between----

I did not accept that. I said, let me try. Let me call. Let me do something.

That was not the answer I was soliciting, but I appreciate the fact that you took extra--greater willingness to go another step to make a difference.

My view is that CHOICE was implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs in which it needed more, greater restrictions in our language to make sure that community care was actually provided.

I want to hear what you had to say, but I also thought of another issue.

who loses? The veteran.

I am often told, here is the policy. Senator Moran, we have got the policy that you want. But that is not close to what----

I found very interesting because it allows us to get the veteran care where they are at.

I would tell you that, anecdotally, so many times I have--mostly what I know about what is going on in veterans' lives is the conversations I have with veterans.

I want--it is a goal of mine--to make sure there are no artificial, unnecessary impediments, or no bias against a veteran who chooses or needs care quickly...

There is no time to spare. And so a system that is designed to save lives and improve one's well-being...

I am seeking community care, but I cannot get the referral from the Department of Veterans Affairs.