President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act.
Here are four things to know.
1. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Choice Program allows some veterans to receive care in their communities rather than having to wait for a VA appointment or make a long trek to a VA facility, according to the VA website.
2. The law signed Wednesday extends the program "so that more veterans can see the doctor of their choice," President Trump said at a signing ceremony. He added: "Some people have to travel five hours, eight hours, and they'll have to do it on a weekly basis, and even worse than that. It's not going to happen anymore."
3. The law also streamlines the processes for reimbursing and exchanging patient records with private providers treating VA patients, reports Reuters.
4. The Veterans Choice Program extension comes as the VA announced another effort to improve VA patient experience. Earlier this month, the VA launched a partnership with CVS to reduce patient wait times in Phoenix.