Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska is teaming up with Senator Angus King of Maine to introduce new legislation designed to enhance health care for U.S. veterans. The bill, expected to be titled the CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025—short for Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance—aims to streamline the documentation process between community care providers and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ricketts, a Republican, and King, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, have collaborated on the measure to ensure veterans receive consistent, high-quality care regardless of where they are treated. The legislation would require the VA’s under secretary for health to implement clear guidelines for obtaining medical documentation from outside providers, monitor compliance, and report progress every 120 days to congressional veterans affairs committees.
“Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” Ricketts said in a statement to The World-Herald. “To ensure they receive the best standard of care, it’s critical that their medical history is properly shared with VA facilities after receiving care in the community.”
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has endorsed the bill, which supporters believe will help close gaps in communication and improve continuity of care for veterans nationwide.
Sen. King added, “Veterans in Maine and across the country have sacrificed greatly in service to the nation, and it is our job to now return the favor.”
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