Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Allegations Of VA Wrongdoing At Minn. Clinic
Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Klobuchar, Franken, Walz And Nolan Seek Probe Of Hibbing VA Clinic Allegations
Citing “new, troubling allegations,” members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation are asking for an investigation of claims that the Hibbing VA clinic tampered with patient schedules. The schedules were altered, according to some former workers at the clinic, to make it appear that veterans were being seen on a more timely basis than was true. (Brunswick, 11/18)
CQ Healthbeat: VA Enters Second Stage Of Help For Vets Facing Long Health Care Lines
The Veterans Affairs Department has begun implementing the second phase of its "choice card" program, mailing cards to veterans currently waiting more than 30 days for appointments with the VA. The mailing, announced by the VA Tuesday, is the second of three stages in providing the cards to more than 9 million enrollees. The choice card serves as a voucher that will permit eligible veterans to access federally-subsidized health care outside of the VA's health system. The first phase of the implementation took place on Nov. 5 when the VA began issuing cards to veterans who live at least 40 miles from a VA facility. (O'Brien, 11/18)
