Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

Congressman Tom Barrett, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, this week introduced three pieces of legislation to improve the delivery, efficiency, and integrity of veterans’ services.

His office said it's in recognition of Military Appreciation Month.

Specifically, Barrett's office said the bills are designed to bring the Department of Veterans Affairs into the 21st century by enhancing digital communication, combating fraud, and streamlining community care scheduling.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate Military Appreciation Month than by showing the men and women who serve our country that we have their backs when they come home," said Barrett. "These three bills are all about bringing the VA into the 21st century so we can effectively and efficiently deliver services to our nation’s heroes. I’m proud to lead this effort to drive innovation and technological reforms that will get results."

The first bill, the Bipartisan Delivering Digitally to Our Veterans Act, would amend current law to authorize the VA to send digital messaging instead of only physical mail for G.I. bill updates. Additionally, the bill would save the VA money by reducing paper use and giving veterans the option to receive all updates on their computer or device.

Second, the Forcing Real Accountability for Unlawful Distributions Act would save taxpayer dollars from being wasted on fraudulent, inaccurate, or otherwise misleading claims submitted to the VA by third party administrators on behalf of community care providers. This bill would direct the VA to acquire a system designed to monitor third party payments and ensure only accurate and complete claims are being paid, protecting the VA and veterans’ reputations in the process.

Lastly, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act would require the VA to implement a system that empowers VA employees to see both VA appointments and community care - providers outside the VA - on the same dashboard. This will allow VA staff to quickly book appointments for veterans both at VA facilities and hospitals in the community, cutting down on the frustrating wait times too often associated with seeking care.

Photo courtesy of Rep. Barrett's X account, with OptumServe CEO Mark Swofford after discussing ways of improving scheduling between the VA and the Community Care Network.