VA Secretary Shinseki resigns; Senators Moran and Tester urge the President to improve access to care for veterans
Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT) urged President Barack Obama to consider rural hospitals in implementing initiatives to improve and accelerate access to health care for rural veterans. While 41 percent of all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system live in rural areas, rural veterans face significant challenges in accessing health care service, creating barriers to accessing the health care they deserve and need. Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Sole Community Hospitals and other rural facilities can provide access to quality care for rural veterans where they live. NRHA commends Senators Moran and Tester for their letter to President Obama in support of the health care needs of rural veterans. The letter is timely in the wake of the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, announced today by President Obama.