TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew urging federal officials to support recommendations made by a legislative task force to expand health care access for military veterans living in South Jersey was approved today by a Senate Committee.
“Veterans in South Jersey are forced to travel hours, either to North Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware, for treatment at a VA facility. For these individuals, many who are older and are suffering with numerous health problems, the travel is an unnecessary and harmful burden,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “The task force put forward a commonsense plan that will allow veterans to obtain health care services at local hospitals in the region using their VA credentials, and a number of facilities have already expressed an interest in taking part. We are urging the VA to support our recommendations so that military veterans in our area are provided the health services they need and deserve.”