Heinrich To Co-Host Veterans Choice Program Information Session In Carlsbad

ROSWELL, N.M. – As part of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich’s ongoing effort to help New Mexico veterans access quality health care, his office will co-host an informational session for veterans and health care providers on the Veterans Choice Program on Thursday, November 17, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Legion Post #7 in Carlsbad, N.M. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Tri-West Healthcare Alliance, which administers the Veterans Choice Program, will be available to answer questions about how to qualify and participate in the program.

An information session for health care providers who are already participating in the Choice program or that may be interested in participating will take place at 11 a.m. followed by an information session for veterans at 12 p.m.

The event is free and all are encouraged to attend.

In October, Heinrich met with local veterans in Carlsbad. Heinrich is seeking to improve veterans’ health care access in areas of the state where VA facilities can be hours away.

“Veterans in New Mexico — especially in rural parts of the state — have shared with me how difficult it can be to access the health care they need depending on where they live,” said Sen. Heinrich. “We’ve got to find better ways to meet veterans where they are, and New Mexico is certainly a case study for where we need to find innovative solutions like Veterans Choice to connect veterans to service without them always having to travel such great distances.”

Heinrich voted to create the Veterans Choice Program in 2014 to ensure all veterans, especially those in rural Western states, have access to care. The program allows veterans to utilize other medical facilities if timely VA care isn’t available. Heinrich also cosponsored the Veterans First Act to significantly improve accountability at the VA and make sweeping enhancements to veterans’ benefits and services.

Heinrich’s office is co-hosting the information session with the City of Carlsbad, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, New Mexico Rural Veterans Coordination Program, and Disabled American Veterans.

WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich's Staff and Co-Hosts
WHAT: Veterans Choice Program Information Session
WHEN: Thursday, November 17, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: American Legion Post #7, 2311 Legion Street, Carlsbad, N.M. 88220
QUESTIONS: For more information, contact Senator Heinrich’s Roswell Office at (575) 622-7113