Veterans in northern Michigan rarely face long wait times for health care. That’s according to a new reportthat compares wait times at veterans’ health facilities across the country.
Nationally, nearly three percent of veterans have to wait longer than 30 days for a medical appointment. But at clinics in Gaylord and Traverse City, that percentage is almost down to zero.
Chuck Lercher runs veterans services for Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau Counties. He says a new law passed by Congress last year has had a positive effect on veterans’ health care.
“For example, in our area here, all the veterans that live out on Beaver Island were given authorizations to receive all of their VA health care on the island, at VA expense.”
The new law says any veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility can get care in their communities.