Significant Delays, Unanticipated Headaches Throw $16B VA Medical Records Project Off Track

A host of glitches have surfaced as the massive undertaking to digitize health records for veterans tries to get off the ground. Many critics who have been skeptical of the Trump administration strategy from the start worry that the delays foretell even bigger issues on the horizon. Meanwhile, emails reveal the frustration VA staffers felt over the interference from President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago friends.

Politico: $16B Veterans' Health Project Hits Major Snag

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie insisted last week that the Trump administration is "on track" with a $16 billion project to connect medical records for the military and vets. But that’s not exactly the case — the project faces significant delays and unanticipated headaches, according to three sources with detailed knowledge of what will be one of the largest technology contracts in federal history. (Allen, 8/23)

Politico: Emails Show Veterans Affairs Officials' Scorn For 'Mar-A-Lago 3'

Emails from senior Veterans Affairs staff released Thursday reveal the frustration and scorn they felt at having to deal with the intrusion of three wealthy members of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in the agency’s plans to create a new digital health platform. The 2017 and 2018 emails, which Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, show the outsized influence of the Mar-a-Lago members, Marvel Entertainment Chairman Ike Perlmutter, attorney Marc Sherman and internist Bruce Moskowitz. (Allen, 8/22)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

Trump 2.0

Public Health

Audio Reports

Special Reports

More Topics