Kirk: Veterans to get cards for care from civilian doctors

Posted on December 24, 2014

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – Veterans may receive a card in the coming months allowing them to go to civilian doctors.

The Veterans Choice Card will be sent to veterans who may live more than 40 miles from a Veterans Administration hospital or are currently waiting longer than 30 days for an appointment. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) said veterans shouldn’t have to do anything in order to get the card.

"I want to make sure this is as smooth as possible," Kirk said. "It should just be mailed to you, in my view. We can figure out where you live because I think the VA knows that pretty well."

While veterans who meet those criteria may have already received their card, it will be mailed to all veterans early next year.

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