US EditionBill Aims to Ease Access to Medical Care for Rural Veterans
- Republican lawmakers Kevin Cramer and Tim Sheehy introduced a bill to allow rural veterans to receive VA health care locally without referrals as of 2025.
- The bill aims to remove prior authorization requirements so veterans can access care at 1,377 critical access hospitals in areas lacking nearby VA facilities.
- Supporters say the legislation offers new health care options in rural communities and will increase rural hospital use while benefiting veterans.
- Sheehy stated, “the status quo has failed veterans,” while Cramer said the bill removes “unnecessary roadblocks,” and hospital CEO Alan O’Neil expects improved utilization.
- If enacted, the bill could enhance timely access to quality care for veterans in rural areas, easing their health coverage challenges and boosting rural hospital services.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Bill aims to ease access to medical care for rural veterans
A bill led by Republican lawmakers has been introduced in the Senate to make it easier for veterans in rural towns to get health coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care at a local hospital or clinic close to home.
Ottumwa Courier
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs into law rural health care, medical residency expansion proposal
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday her legislative proposal to increase physician training options and rural health care accessibility, a step she said will help ease burdens on rural hospitals and increase patients’ health outcomes across the state.
Reynolds signs plan designed to address Iowa's shortage of healthcare workers - Radio Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law that’s meant to address Iowa’s shortage of doctors and other healthcare workers. It uses federal money to expand medical residency programs at Iowa’s 14 teaching hospitals and create new residency slots in some specialties. “Doctors often decide to practice where they do their residency, but today […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs into law rural health care, medical residency expansion proposal • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed two healthcare bills into law at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center May 28, 2025, including her proposal to increase rural health care accessibility. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Wednesday her legislative proposal to increase physician training options and rural health care accessibility, a step she said will help ease burdens on rural hospitals and increa…
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