Sen. Kirk unveils new VA Choice cards

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois veterans are getting their first look at the new Choice Cards aimed at getting them the care they need more quickly.

Senator Mark Kirk unveiled it today at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago. The card will allow veterans to see a civilian doctor if they have a long drive to a VA facility or would have to wait weeks for an appointment.

Congress approved the cards in response to thousands of veterans not receiving timely care within the VA system.

"My hope is now we give veterans with the card an out from the old, corrupt system that had the secret waiting lists and say just go to your civilian doc and get it taken care of," Kirk said.

Kirk was joined today by members of the Proviso Missionary Baptist Church choir, who sang carols for the patients.