Andrzejczak, Fiocchi: Vets Deserve Better than Long VA Waits

TRENTON – Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak, (D-1st) an Iraq War veteran and Veterans Affairs hospital patient, in an April 9 release called for Congress to pass legislation allowing veterans to receive hospital care and medical treatment at non-VA facilities.
Wait times for appointments at the VA clinic in Vineland are double the national average, according to a recent analysis of VA appointment data. Andrzejczak, a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, is a sponsor of legislation (ACR-164) urging Congress to take action. The resolution gained unanimous approval in the Assembly.
“The distinguished men and women I served with in the military deserve better than waiting a month to see a doctor,” stated Andrzejczak.
“I have to pass about a dozen other hospitals to get to my VA hospital, and I can’t get care at any of them. Unfortunately, mine is not an isolated case.
“Allowing those who have served to see local medical professionals will help alleviate the pressure on VA facilities and decrease wait times for patients. No one who risked his or her life for this nation should come back home to waiting months and traveling dozens of miles for access to care.
“On behalf of all my fellow veterans, I once again urge Congress to act now.”
Andrzejczak served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant before being wounded during a 2008 deployment in Iraq.
Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi, (R-1st) in an April 9 release, stated it is outrageous that veterans wait nearly twice as long as the national average for an appointment at the Vineland VA clinic. According to government data, nearly one out of 16 appointments required a wait of nearly more than a month.
“It’s absolutely infuriating that South Jersey veterans have to wait twice as long for an appointment at the Vineland VA clinic,” stated Fiocchi, R-Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic. “Despite a nationwide push to lessen the wait times and Congress giving the VA an additional $16.3 billion to improve patient access to care, this problem is as bad as it was a year ago.”
“Veterans in South Jersey already have limited access to VA facilities and making them wait longer to get an appointment is like a slammed door in their face,” continued Fiocchi. “Enough with the excuses, someone needs to be held accountable. Our men and women from South Jersey deserve to be taken care of for their services to our nation just like anyone else.”
Fiocchi sponsors (ACR-164) which urges Congress to pass legislation permitting veterans to receive hospital care and medical services at facilities other than the facilities of the VA. If passed by Congress, the bill will establish a pilot program in the state’s Second Congressional District.
The bill was released by the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee in June 2014, but has not moved since. The identical Senate bill (SCR-120) has received no action.