Chalk up 1 for Congress: I had heard about the recent push to relax the 40-mile requirement. It makes a lot of sense. The 40-mile rule stated that if you lived within 40 miles of a VA Medical Center, you must use that facility rather than a medical facility outside of the VA system. That sounds reasonable until you read the fine print. That 40 miles is in a straight line or ‘as the crow flies’. I suppose if you could commute by drone or hovercraft this would make a lot of sense but especially in more rural area,s nothing is in a straight line. Congress has just now relaxed that rule so that your actual driving route be considered.

And our law makers get point number 2: This is an issue that I was unaware of. Yesterday the House passed a health care bill 405-0, that would allow Veterans who are unable to live alone, to be cared for in a home environment called Medical Fostering. The option to live with in Medical Foster Home environment  is less expensive than a traditional Nursing Home, and often preferred by the Veteran. Win – Win!!

This next one has yet to be decided but listening to Rep. Murphy of Florida, this just makes sense. Currently the GI Bill covers the cost of a college education but not the cost of the application fees. This may not seem like much to you but these fees can run in to hundreds of dollars, money that a Military member newly transitioned to civilian life, just does not have. It really is inexcusable that a Veteran is not getting the education they were promised, and that they need to procure a job when their service to our country has ended. Rep. Murphy’s bill would utilize funds already allocated for the GI Bill, and make them available for college application fees. (Video below) Good call Mr. Murphy!

Lets make this 3 for 3, Congress!!