Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Senate Approval Of VA Health Care Reform Expected With Extra $5.2B In Funding
CQ: Senate Expected To Greenlight Veterans Health Care Overhaul
The Senate this week is expected to clear a bill revamping the nation’s health care system for veterans as the clock runs out on a crucial program allowing them to access private doctors. The bill (S 2372) would infuse the Department of Veterans Affairs Choice Program with an additional $5.2 billion ahead of an expected funding shortfall on May 31. The program, created in the wake of the VA wait list scandal in 2014, allows veterans to see private providers if they have to wait more than 30 days for an appointment or live more than 40 miles from a VA facility. (Clason, 5/23)
WBUR: VA Says It's Trying To Improve Caregiver Program's Appeals Process
The VA's caregiver program provides a stipend to family members of disabled vets to provide home health care. NPR revealed numerous VA centers were ejecting hundreds of people from the program. (Lawrence, 5/21)
