News Releases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called on the Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin to provide continuity of care for veterans currently utilizing the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program as contracts under the program expire in August 2016.

In the letter, the senators wrote, “Since 2011, ARCH has been successfully providing medical care for veterans living in rural areas surrounding the five pilot program location...As evidenced by recent bipartisan legislation, we support the VA’s plan to consolidate community care and develop one system for veterans, community providers and the VA to furnish timely and quality medical care to our nation’s heroes. 

“Relationships formed between community providers and veterans ought not to be disrupted by the transition into the New Veterans Choice Program, especially when veterans are overwhelmingly satisfied with their community provider under ARCH.  We request your assurance that current community providers under ARCH will continue to serve an ARCH veteran if the veteran so chooses, particularly if the care sought occurs beyond August 2016. 

“…We believe you have the authority and opportunity to guarantee ARCH veterans will not experience “any interruption in their care” with their ARCH community providers.”

Click here to read the full letter to Under Secretary Shulkin.