will not include Dr. David Shulkin. He was fired last night as most readers already know. Some say “Good riddance” and others are very worried. Dr. Shulkin is upset and is talking about what he believes is a political move only (LINK). If Dr. Jackson is approved, it is reported that he has experience with emergency medicine in Iraq–so that is a positive. And Trump trusts him and well, it’s his cabinet. Let’s hope for a quick confirmation if he gets through the hearings unscathed.
Kiedove
asknod
brewerkelli
cspencer02
jamesaurora
kcraveiro
Laura
Veterans Claims Help 
Well, I take a middle way in the quest for quality. In either sector, institutional culture is big factor as is geography in attracting great physicians and surgeons who will stick around. The income tiers that exclude veterans who earn “too much” to be eligible for VA care are stupid and unfair. If all veterans were able to access VA care, if they wished, the higher income, better educated veterans would challenge the system to improve. Phoenix wouldn’t have happened if McCain et al had received his flu shots and basic care there.
I also believe that the VA should design a very low-cost premium health plan, national HMO-style plan for veterans and their dependents that could be used at VA (to reduce co-pays, cover RXs) and private providers. Similar to a Medicare Advantage plan. Premiums could be based on income. A la carte might make sense. For example, oldies don’t need maternity benefits. Medicare advantage plans can have premiums as low as 0 – $50 depending on location. The difference should be absolutely no in-networks–if a provider takes Medicare, they would have to take VAcare by law. If VA can do this with dental plans–which need improvement–they can come up with a decent VAcare plan. Medicare can handle the billing and payments.
Some vets actually have their ill parents as dependents so that would be a big help if they don’t have SS yet. We’ve got to get the stress off of people before everyone goes mad.
“If all veterans were able to access VA care, if they wished, the higher income, better educated veterans would challenge the system to improve.”
Why leave it up to just the higher income, better educated veterans?
if everyone had to serve in *some* capacity, we’d *all* be veterans, and we’d *all* have skin in the game to challenge the system whenever it needed improvement.
100% agree with you. Which is why I think think that instead of closing rural VAs, they should open them up to families and paying community members–taxpayers–as capacity allows.
The entire Administration is a revolving door
disconcerting situation…
Shame that they do not privatize the claims process and leave the medical treatment. Have had very good care from the folks at Audie Murphy in SA.
Big difference between “privatizing” the VA and allowing an option for vets to utilize private care!
I guess I get it. Allow private treatment and avoid the 4-month wait for that high-quality care at the VAMC two and a half hours away. Or…stay in a third world hospital built in 1970 (or before) vastly understaffed and eat horrible, cold food. Choose one (1)—get timely local care in a modern, clean hospital or saddle up for a three-day ride on horseback to sit in a waiting room for hours waiting for your 8 AM appt.
I see the need for VA to specialize in prosthetics, TBI care, PTSD, Agent Orange diseases and IED injuries. Paraplegia is another area. Focus on war injuries-not day-to-day cuts and bruises. No one yet can justify to me why 45 Vets died waiting for medical appointments in Phoenix and thousands more were put on secret waiting lists but still insist on calling it “cutting edge medicine”. Sorry. All I have to do is look down at the area formerly known as my abdomen after 4 botched surgeries to recall that high quality medical help I got. Well, that and the Myocardial mishap, the MRSA infection, the OD on Heparin and the VA idiot who put a wound pump on my Alloderm causing 6 ventral hernias. No sir. VA should retreat into a smaller posture and specialize in the above. What good is a Jack of all trades that you have to schedule out two or three months for a cancer screen? Most Vets are over 40 miles away from what some refer to as a VA clinic. The one near me is worse than a low grade Veterinary clinic.
Could be the Koch brothers will try to move in and set up shop. As long as you get to see the Doctor like regular folks within a few days, what’s the big deal who gets a piece of the pie? Don’t forget the end product-you, the Vet. If someone gets rich off it, so what? You get timely medical help and perhaps live to see another day or month or year. What in Sam Hill is this fascination with Income equality? Some are always going to get rich. Look at Sam Walton.$hit happens.
My bet is if AmVets and the rest of the VSOs are skittish about the new VASEC then you can figure they aren’t going to benefit from the marriage. I want dissention. I want someone to shake the tree. We keep getting Casper Milquetoasts who refuse to upset the status quo. If it’s broke, fix it. Skip the lipsticked pig and the artwork out front of the VAMC.
“If someone gets rich off it, so what?”
Depends on what they do with the $.
If they just use the $ to buy themselves more toys, fine.
If, instead, they use the $ to fund “grassroot” entities bent on (essentially) overturning the government, fine?
Yeppers. The people in the free seats always complain the loudest.
They are named the KOCH BROS> They have wanted this for some time now. If the VA becomes private you can bet your sweet ass they will be there.
TRUTH
“Privatize” does seem to be the common thread throughout this scenario. Theresa from http://www.HadIt.com interviewed him this A.M.; 4:35 I believe he confirmed the consternation between those who may have not served and those that have served and conversely might get screwed by the possible privatization. I’ve had numerous good surgery’s at Ft. Miley, San Francisco in the past; although currently it is 70 miles one way from my home and would require serious planning to get there and return, albeit compared to many RO’s and their medical facilities; it is considered one of the best if not that. Could the Private option be expanded to include Payout for those willing to give up their future VA waiting time and medical treatments?? I personally would take that payout and run/walk away; taking charge for/of my own health and perhaps investing in a premium burial plot in Antarctica.
The big elephant in the room is “privatize”. According to the news pundits someone has DT’s ear and is handily steering him in that direction.