Davis Tours New VA Outpatient Clinic in Decatur, Highlights VA Reform Legislation
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) yesterday toured the new Decatur Community Based Outpatient Clinic, which is part of the VA Illiana Health Care System, and discussed legislation recently signed into law that makes improvements to the VA system, including the VA Choice program. The Decatur facility, which opened in June, provides primary care and mental health services to local veterans. “Veterans from across my district often have to travel to receive the medical treatment and support they need,” said Davis. “Community based outpatients clinics, like the one in Decatur, make health care more accessible for those in rural areas. I appreciated the opportunity to visit this brand new facility and see the services on the front lines. "I continue to work with the White House, Acting VA Secretary Peter O'Rourke and my colleagues in Congress to reduce the veterans’ claims backlog, make reforms to the casework process so veterans get timely answers from the VA, and make institutional changes to the VA so that patients will always be put first.” Legislation The VA MISSION Act, which is landmark legislation to reform the VA, was signed into law on June 6, 2018. It strengthens and improves the VA healthcare system for approximately 9 million veterans by consolidating multiple existing community care programs into one cohesive program. Community care programs are authorized when the VA cannot fulfill the services the veteran needs and among other circumstances. Additionally, it establishes process to review VA's assets and to recommend actions to modernize and realign medical infrastructure to ensure veterans have access to quality care and expands the Department of Veterans Affairs' Post-9/11 Caregiver program so that caregivers from all eras can take advantage of the benefits it provides to those who care for those who served. The legislation also funds the VA Choice Program until the new program is implemented so that veteran care is not disrupted. Davis’ bill, the WINGMAN Act, to help veterans get the answers they need from the VA passed the House and is awaiting Senate action. VA Illiana Health Care System The VA Illiana Health Care System is the 8th oldest VA facility, first opening in 1898, and serves more than 150,000 veterans living in 34 Illinois and Indiana counties. In addition to the main facility in Danville, there are four community-based outpatient clinics in Decatur, Mattoon, Peoria, and Springfield. The Decatur location opened on June 4th. Related Davis Statement on VA MISSION Act Becoming Law House Sends VA Reform Bill to Presidents’ Desk Davis Bill to Help Improve Veterans Claims Process Passes House |
