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Rep. Zinke: Veterans Choice 'too fat in the bureaucracy'

Mineral County Hospital representatives say the hospital has not been paid for services delivered under the Veterans Choice program.
Courtesy Mineral County Hospital
Mineral County Hospital representatives say the hospital has not been paid for services delivered under the Veterans Choice program.

Congressman Ryan Zinke says the nation can’t just throw more money at a widely criticized veterans’ health care program.

The Montana Republican attended an event today in Missoula to honor Vietnam veterans.

Zinke called the Veterans Choice program a mess. It was supposed to expedite health care for vets, but hasn’t worked out that way.

Critics say appointment scheduling is still unreliable and providers aren’t getting paid on time. Zinke says this is unacceptable.

"From a warfighter’s perspective, you put the resources on the front line. You make sure that front line has the flexibility to administer and fight the war. We’re too fat in the bureaucracy."

A $4 billion proposal to fix the Veterans Choice program is under consideration in the U.S. Senate.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
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