Aumua Amata Welcomes Signing of VA Choice Act

Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee and its Health Subcommittee, welcomed the signing into law of the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017.

"Veterans in American Samoa and other remote areas continue to face obstacles to getting the care they deserve, and efforts like this one make a positive difference," said Aumua Amata. "This act is another step forward, authorizing a $2.1 billion increase in funds for the Veterans Choice Program at the VA, and helping preserve and grow this program to assist our veterans with the medical care they've earned."

Veterans are eligible for the Veterans Choice Program if they live more than 40 miles from the closest VA medical facility, or wait times are over 30 days from the clinically indicated date. The program was started in 2014 to ensure veterans can get services in their own communities, and the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act preserves that effort, prevents any interruption in services, and expands its reach through the new funds. Finally, the Act also strengthens the VA by investing in recruitment and retention of medical professionals and the VA workforce.

On August 9, the Congresswoman was privileged to host a Veterans Choice Workshop in American Samoa to help veterans and their families know their options. The VA sent representatives of the VA's third-party administrator, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to lend first-hand expertise to this beneficial informational session.

"I so appreciate the work of Chairman Phil Roe and all the Members of the Veterans Affairs Committee for their efforts on behalf of the Veterans Choice Program and the help it provides the veterans we serve," continued the Congresswoman. "Thank you also to VA Secretary David Shulkin for his commitment to this program and the recent developments at the VA to increase healthcare access everywhere."

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