Bold idea floated (and denounced): Close VA facilities, send vets to private-sector providers
The idea was quickly met with expressions of resolve to never let it see the light of day, but it’s out in the open now: A high-level commission has suggested transitioning the Department of Veterans Affairs from a provider network into a Medicare-like payer.
Under the scenario, millions of veterans would receive care alongside lifelong civilians in private-sector provider orgs rather than in VA facilities, which would be closed or possibly repurposed.
“The commission finds the current VA health care system is seriously broken, and because of the breadth and depth of the shortfalls, there is no efficient path to repair it,” writes David Blom of OhioHealth, lead author of the commission’s report.
Eight veterans’ organizations have sent the committee chairperson a letter decrying the idea.
Military Times has the story:
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.