Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
$10B VA Health Care Choice Program Has Disappointing Results
The Associated Press: Few Vets Getting Care Through $10B VA Program
A new program that was supposed to get patients off waiting lists at Veterans Affairs medical centers by letting them switch to private-sector doctors is proving to be an even bigger disappointment than initially thought. The Veteran's Choice program launched on Nov. 5 with $10 billion in funding and the expectation that it would instantly relieve backlogs at VA hospitals and clinics. But after a hurried rollout that has led to confusion as to exactly who is eligible and what they need to do to coordinate treatment, officials now say only 37,648 medical appointments have been made through April 11. (Caruso, 4/23)
The Washington Post: After A Year Of Frustration, New Bill Would Make It Easier To Fire VA Employees
One year after the largest scandal in the Department of Veterans Affairs history, a congressman says he will introduce the VA Accountability Act, which would give the new VA secretary sweeping authority to fire corrupt or incompetent employees. Rep. Jeff Miller’s (R-Fla.) bill comes in response to increasing frustration from lawmakers and veterans service organizations over the slow pace of reform in holding VA employees accountable for a litany of problems, from patient wait times to delays in benefits. (Wax-Thibodeaux, 4/23)
The San Jose Mercury News: VA And Congressional Leaders Spar During Hearing Examining Problems At Oakland Office
During a tense congressional hearing Wednesday looking into problems at the Oakland and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs benefits offices, Rep. Phil Roe, a Tennessee Republican, said he often hears frustrated vets say that maybe the VA is "just waiting for me to die." (Emmons, 4/23)
