Obama signs law to ease vets’ access to health care

Associated Press

FORT BELVOIR, Va.

Tens of thousands of military veterans who have been enduring long waits for medical care should be able to turn to private doctors almost immediately under a law signed Thursday by President Barack Obama.

Other changes will take longer under the $16.3 billion law, which is the government’s most-sweeping response to the problems that have rocked the Veterans Affairs Department and led to the ouster of Eric Shinseki as VA secretary.

Improved access to outside care is likely to be the most-immediate effect. Veterans who have waited at least a month for a medical appointment or who live at least 40 miles from a Veterans Affairs hospital or clinic will be able to see private doctors at government expense.

Expanding the VA staff by hiring thousands of doctors, nurses and mental-health counselors — another key component of the law — will take months to get underway and years to complete, VA officials said. Opening 27 new clinics across the country will take at least two years.

“Implementing this law will take time,” Obama acknowledged as he signed the bill at Fort Belvoir, an Army base in Virginia just outside Washington. Service members, veterans groups and military leaders attended the ceremony, along with lawmakers from both parties.

Obama called the legislation a rare example of Republicans and Democrats working together effectively. He also said more action is needed.