Southwest Montana News

Today, Chairman Matt Rosendale of the House Veterans Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Technology Modernization expressed approval following the Department of Veterans Affairs' decision to reactivate travel reimbursement kiosks. These kiosks will be reinstated at over 750 VA clinic and hospital locations across the nation, with plans to install additional units at facilities currently without them.

The decision follows significant criticism from veterans, advocates, and lawmakers regarding the transition to the online-based Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). The BTSSS had reportedly led some veterans to abandon the program due to frustration, preventing them from receiving deserved reimbursements. The reintroduction of kiosks is particularly vital in Montana, where veterans often travel long distances for VA care and require timely reimbursements that the BTSSS could not adequately provide.

"Veterans across Montana have told me about difficulties with the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System, especially for some veterans who are not as proficient in technology. Veterans liked the old kiosk system," stated Chairman Rosendale. "It would have made more sense to improve the kiosks than completely phase them out. I am glad to see them back in the Treasure State and across the country."

In 2022, Chairman Rosendale addressed a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough outlining issues with BTSSS, particularly concerning veterans in rural Montana who face challenges with internet access. Additionally, an investigation by the Office of Inspector General revealed that from February 2021 through July 2022, BTSSS did not meet key metrics related to automated claims adjudication and self-service use.

Chairman Rosendale also convened a hearing in June addressing BTSSS's shortcomings.