WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – and Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced legislation that would permanently authorize and expand the External Provider Scheduling (EPS) Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make it easier to schedule health care appointments for veterans in the community. EPS allows VA to view the schedules of community care providers, which reduces the time it takes VA to schedule community care appointments and connects veterans with needed health care in a more timely manner.

“Veterans should not have to wait weeks or months to obtain the care and services they have earned,” said Sen Moran. “By simplifying the community care appointment scheduling process and improving communication between VA and community providers, the External Provider Scheduling Program has resulted in veterans getting the health care they need faster. This bill would continue the EPS program so that even more veterans will benefit from it, improving access to care nationwide.”

“Our veterans shouldn’t have to wait long periods to receive the medical care and services they need,” said Sen. Fischer. “By making the EPS program permanent, we will put our veterans’ needs first as we improve care coordination between the VA and community providers, especially in our rural areas. I look forward to working with my colleagues to take care of our veterans by passing this legislation.”

“Veterans deserve timely and quality access to medical care,” said Sen. Boozman. “Across our country, and particularly in rural areas, our former servicemembers rely on community care to receive the services and benefits they need. I’m pleased to join my colleagues on this effort to support and strengthen the important tools that help ensure veterans’ appointments are not delayed or denied.”

“No veteran should be forced to wait for the care they need and deserve,” said Sen. Budd. “That’s why I am proud to support Senator Moran’s legislation that allows the VA to schedule appointments with community healthcare providers in real time. Veterans in North Carolina and across the nation deserve the highest quality care we can provide them, and this bill will help us accomplish that mission.” 

In initial rollout phases, EPS led to a 65% improvement in the timeliness of community care scheduling and increased scheduler productivity from seven appointments a day to more than 20.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.