VA To Roll Out Implementation Of Expanded Privatized Care Rules As Skeptical Lawmakers Look On
The Trump administration wants to make it easier for veterans to seek care outside the traditional VA health system, but lawmakers say the agency hasn't been transparent about the process. “Let’s just say that we’re skeptical,” said House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.). VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said he's confident his team can handle the roll-out, though.
The New York Times:
V.A. Prepares For Major Shift In Veterans’ Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday will begin allowing a broad section of its nine million enrollees to seek medical care outside of traditional V.A. hospitals, the biggest shift in the American health care system since the passage of the Affordable Care Act nearly a decade ago. While department officials say they are ready, veterans groups and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have expressed concerns about the V.A., which has been dogged for years by problems with its computer systems. (Steinhauer, 6/5)
Modern Healthcare:
VA Finalizes Community Care Rule As Stakeholders Watch Warily
The Veterans Affairs Department finalized a rule spelling out which veterans are eligible for the new, expanded Community Care program mandated by Congress last year. It also issued a final rule granting veterans coverage for urgent care outside VA facilities, without prior VA approval but with a copayment. Under the Community Care rule issued Tuesday, veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and meet at least one of six conditions to be eligible for VA-paid care outside the VA system. There were no significant changes from the proposed rule issued in February. (Meyer, 6/5)
CQ:
Lawmakers On Alert As VA Launches Massive Private Care Program
Lawmakers will be watching over the next few weeks to see whether problems arise with critical functions, such as scheduling appointments or paying claims. House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano, D-Calif., said he is worried that some medical centers weren’t yet ready for the rollout. “Let’s just say that we’re skeptical,” he said, adding that he thinks the VA has not been sufficiently transparent. “I’m of course looking forward to working with the secretary and his top administrators to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise.” Takano worked with ranking member Phil Roe, R-Tenn., to dispatch committee staffers across the country to monitor the launch despite VA Secretary Robert Wilkie’s requests to hold off on oversight visits. (Clason, 6/6)
In other news, President Donald Trump answered questions about the ban on transgender troops —
Bloomberg:
Trump Says He Banned Transgender People From The Military Over Prescription Drugs
President Donald Trump said his administration reinstituted a ban against most transgender people serving in the military because some of them take prescription medicine, claiming erroneously that the armed services prohibit drug use. Trump was asked why he implemented the ban, which took effect in March, during an interview with ITV’s “Good Morning Britain” broadcast earlier on Wednesday. ... The military doesn’t prohibit service members from taking prescription medicines, including drugs prescribed for conditions such as depression and anxiety. The Navy, in fact, changed its policy late last year to allow pilots and other aircrew on such drugs to continue flying. (Wayne and Tritten, 6/5)
