Northwest Iowa — Area veterans may have an easier time accessing telemedicine providers thanks to a bill cosponsored by Iowa’s junior U.S. Senator, Joni Ernst.
Ernst says the legislation would be very helpful to disabled veterans, or veterans who live in rural areas.
She says the VETS Act would allow qualified health professionals to operate across state lines and conduct tele-heatlh services, including mental health care treatment for veterans.
Ernst says it’s particularly important for veterans in rural areas.
While Iowa is a rural state, Ernst says she isn’t sure how many veterans might need the service here.
The Veterans Administration health system has had a variety of issues and Ernst says there’s is still a lot to be done to solve them.
Ernst says she hopes this bill will pass and help with some of the issues veterans have with getting the proper care in a timely manner.
Ernst says the bill has bipartisan support along with lead co-sponsor, Democrat Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. Ernst says tele-health reduced the number of days in a hospital for care by 54 percent and saves veterans on average two-thosuand dollars each year.
