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Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) today reintroduced the bipartisan Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, which would require the VA to ensure veterans in rural areas have reliable access to patient advocates to receive better care. Patient advocates assist veterans with paperwork, services, and appeals related to their care.  

“America’s veterans rely on the VA for access to vital programs, benefits, and supportive services. Patient advocates employed by the VA are an important source of support for veterans navigating the VA health system, and strengthening the VA workforce is more important than ever,” said Rep. Dingell. “I am glad to join Congressman Moolenaar in introducing the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act, which will increase the number of VA patient advocates so veterans can get easier access to the support they deserve.” 

"Our nation's veterans deserve the best possible service from the VA. Unfortunately, veterans know receiving care from the VA often consists of time-consuming paperwork, fighting through layers of red tape, and lengthy appeals. This is especially true for Michigan veterans in rural communities, where the nearest VA clinic may be hundreds of miles away. Patient advocates are an asset for veterans to work through the bureaucracy, and improve accountability in the VA. Our legislation will increase the number of patient advocates available to these veterans, so they receive better care and attention from the VA," said Rep. Moolenaar.   

The lawmakers previously introduced the Veterans Patient Advocacy Act in 2021 and 2023. The text of the legislation can be found here.