Florida Governor Rick Scott was in the nation’s capital again Wednesday, joining President Donald Trump in the Oval Office for the signing of a bill geared toward veterans' health care.
- President Trump signed Veteran's Choice extension
- Extension allows some veterans to seek private medical care
- Certain conditions must be met for extension to apply
“The Veteran’s Choice extension will allow veterans to see the doctor of their choice and they don’t have to wait and travel long distances for V.A. care,” said President Trump.
Gov. Scott underscored his support for the president's efforts for veterans following the bill's signing.
“I know President Trump has been focused on veterans before he was president, and I know he’s gonna do a great job,” said Governor Scott.
The Veteran's Choice extension allows some veterans to seek private medical care if they have to wait more than 30 days for an appointment with the V.A. or live more than 40 miles from a V.A. facility. It was put into place following the Veterans Affairs scandal in 2014, when 40 veterans died waiting for care.
“Unfortunately in 2014, I had to sue the V.A. because we had our state health care agency that couldn’t go inspect their hospitals," said Scott. " We all heard the stories about deaths, delays and poor conditions.”
The Veteran’s Choice extension is temporary. A V.A. reform bill is expected this fall.