Franz co-sponsors resolution to improve veteran health care access

Rep. Ray Franz

LANSING — State Rep. Ray Franz of Onekama today co-sponsored a resolution to improve health care access for veterans across the state by encouraging the federal government to implement a pilot program in Michigan instituting a flexible Veterans Choice Card system that can be used at any health care facility. Current law requires veterans to use Veterans Administration facilities within a 40-mile radius of their home in order to receive medical attention.

“The inability to obtain vital medical care from V.A. facilities has resulted in the unfortunate and untimely deaths of many of local heroes and cost retired military personnel thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses to obtain medical care from non-V.A. facilities,” Rep. Franz said.

“Providing our veterans with better health care opportunities and sound medical care really hits home for me because as a veteran myself, it’s frustrating to see our military service men and women unable to receive the proper care they rightfully deserve.”