Veterans Patient Advocacy Act

# Veterans Patient Advocacy Act Summary **What it does:** This bill would require the Veterans Health Administration to make sure patient advocates are accessible to veterans living in rural areas. Patient advocates help veterans navigate the healthcare system, file complaints, and understand their benefits.

The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office (a congressional watchdog agency) to evaluate how well these rural advocacy services are working. **Who it affects:** Rural veterans would be the primary beneficiaries, as the bill aims to improve their access to patient advocacy services—something that may be harder for them to reach compared to veterans in urban areas with more VA facilities nearby. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House.