Press Releases
Bergman, Kuster Hold VA Oversight and Investigation Committee Hearing in Traverse City
Washington, DC,
August 30, 2017
Today, House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Ranking Committee member Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statements following a Field Hearing on VA Telehealth. Next month, on September 18th, Kuster and Bergman will hold a Field Hearing in New Hampshire to examine quality of care issues at the Manchester VAMC as well as challenges in access to care for New Hampshire veterans. “Increasing quality and access to care for our men and women who have bravely served in uniform - especially those living in rural or underserved areas - must be a top priority,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Telehealth services and mobile health units hold potential to get veterans the care they need closer to home in rural states like New Hampshire and Michigan. I appreciate Congressman Bergman hosting today’s hearing, and I extend my sincere thanks to the veterans, their families, and caregivers who joined us so we can learn about the gains being made in telehealth and mobile health and where we can make improvements. I look forward to continuing to work with General Bergman on commonsense bipartisan solutions on behalf of our veterans and their families.” "As a Marine, we stand for total accountability for every action that we make,” said Congressman Bergman. “It is imperative that our Veterans receive the care that they have earned without the fear of improper treatment or inadequate care. It is important that we work in a bi-partisan manner to ensure complete accountability for any abuses or mistreatments that take place in our VA facilities. “Access to healthcare is a challenge that many of our rural Veterans face and tele-health is an important tool in the effort to increase access for our current Veterans as well as our future Veterans. The VA has the opportunity to be ahead of the curve on tele-health delivery, and areas like New Hampshire’s 2nd District and Michigan’s 1st District are great examples of the need for this technology and access. It is a pleasure to serve alongside Congresswomen Kuster to provide real bi-partisan results for our rural Veterans. Tele-health access touches nearly every health issue, from mental health to physical health, and the VA cannot miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to provide the highest quality care to those who deserve it most.” ### |