A veterans healthcare reform bill co-sponsored by Montana Senator Jon Tester cleared Congress Wednesday, and is headed to President Trump, who is expected to sign it.
Tester says the bill consolidates several programs that allow veterans to get healthcare outside the VA.
"Our bill gets rid of the one size fits all system and creates a more efficient and easier to navigate system for veterans," Tester says.
The Senate cleared the bill on a 92-5 vote today, which averted a disastrous shutdown of its so-called “Choice” private-sector program. Choice is slated to run out of money as early as next week, which would cause disruptions in care.
The bill's approval comes despite concerns from some Democrats that the effort would prove costly and be used too broadly by veterans in search of top-notch care even when the VA is able to provide treatment deemed sufficient for their needs.