Obama's budget would allow for de-funding of program that allows veterans to seek care outside of VA system

A Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Image credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Obama administration is seeking to allow the diversion of funding from a program the president signed into law just in August, after much dispute.

The Veterans Choice Program, authored by Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, provides military vets with a "choice" card that allows them to seek healthcare more quickly at designated facilities outside the dysfunctional Veterans Affairs medical system. The Department of Veterans Affairs, though, says many Choice card holders aren't using their cards, and that most veterans prefer receiving treatment at VA facilities.

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Teresa Mull