Seek Help Closer:

Seek Help Closer: The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs last week approved the “Veterans Health Care Act of 2005,” a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho. Among other things, this measure will let the VA reimburse veterans who seek emergency health care at a nearby hospital. Many vets who need emergency care have passed up the closest facility, opting, instead, to head for a VA hospital. The delay in getting care, in some cases, exacerbated the medical problem, say VA officials.