According to the Iowa Department of Veteran affairs. Veterans make up around 170,000 of Iowa’s population that is about %5.2 of Iowa’s population and bring in roughly $3.16 billion in federal money to the state.
Many of Iowa veterans go to the VA hospital whenever they have a medical emergency. Senator Cruz says that veterans should have a choice on who or what their medical provider should be and expressed that there needs to be accountability when it comes to veterans who go to the VA.
Many veterans struggle with mental and physical health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, opioid addiction, and chronic pain. some veterans choose to to not go to the VA, preferring a family doctor or other medical professional.
Currently freedom of choice for veterans is limited with veterans having to choose between the VA or a community provider. Veterans can change VA locations if they choose to.
