Bill 118 s 3768, also known as the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act, aims to improve healthcare access for veterans living in rural areas of the United States. The bill was introduced in the Senate on September 22, 2021, by Senator Jon Tester of Montana.
The main provisions of the bill include expanding telehealth services for rural veterans, increasing funding for rural health clinics, and improving transportation options for veterans to access healthcare services. The bill also seeks to address the shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas by providing incentives for healthcare professionals to work in these underserved communities.
Additionally, the bill aims to improve coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community healthcare providers to ensure that veterans receive timely and quality care. It also includes provisions to enhance mental health services for rural veterans, including increasing access to mental health providers and expanding telehealth options for mental health treatment.
Overall, the Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act seeks to address the unique challenges that rural veterans face in accessing healthcare services and ensure that they receive the care they need and deserve. The bill has received bipartisan support and is currently being considered by the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.