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New Veterans Choice program legislation fast tracked.

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broncovet

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http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/benefits/veterans/2016/03/16/veterans-health-legislation-fast-track/81863362/

In part:

"Some veterans organizations said they support the legislative proposals but a spokesman for the Independent Budget — a group of veterans organizations that craft policy and spending recommendations on veterans issues — raised concerns that expansion of Veterans Choice could hurt funding of VA medical centers and clinics. "

end quote.  

I disagree with the "independent Budget" group that says this could hur VAMC funding.  

Many VAMC's are way overcrowded.  Time after time, when VA gets "more money" they find a way to squander it, and then ask for more.  The 10 billion infused into Veterans Choice was a great example.   Of that 10 billion the VA used a big portion to "fix" the overbudget hospital.  Its more about managing the money right rather than how much they get.  It reminded me that, a few years ago, Ophrah gave a homeless man 1,000,000, and followed him to see what happened.  He quickly squandered the money and was homeless again in about 2 years or less.  The VA uses the money about like a homeless man.  

 

 

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  • HadIt.com Elder

The plan that you have not seen includes veterans seeking Health Care at any Doctor they choose.

It is a good plan. Veterans who have to rely on VA care are in danger. Stretch was proof of that.

Imagine the operating cost of all these medical centers and clinics?  Closing them down would really save money and allow veterans to get good medical care.

 

J

A Veteran is a person who served this country. Treat them with respect.

A Disabled Veteran is a person who served this country and bears the scars of that service regardless of when or where they served.

Treat them with the upmost respect. I do. Rejection is not a sign of failure. Failure is not an option, Medical opinions and evidence wins claims. Trust in others is a virtue but you take the T out of Trust and you are left with Rust so be wise about who you are dealing with.

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  • HadIt.com Elder

John 

I wish they would close all he VAMC and let us vets seek private care...I'd vote for the first presidential candidate that would do that...I wanna live a little longer eh!

 

..............Buck

I am not an Attorney or VSO, any advice I provide is not to be construed as legal advice, therefore not to be held out for liable BUCK!!!

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  • HadIt.com Elder

The VA acts like a bunch of control freaks!  Many of the current "Choice" program problems stem from the desire of the bureaucrats to keep their place in the "sun".

Can't have those pesky veterans make their own decisions when we can make them instead!

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  • Content Curator/HadIt.com Elder

This quote says a lot:

Quote

Our goal is to have an omnibus bill …  to let our veterans know we do want accountability at the VA, we do want Choice to work (Isakson)

Interpreted from bureaucrat into common sense English:

Quote

We love red tape. We publicly advocate for accountability because that's what the veterans want to hear us say. As long as we can pitch failing programs touted as beneficial for the veteran, we will continue to be able to justify requests for even more funds for "improvement".

 

When I first started visiting the VA in 1995, I asked one of the doctors if I could just go see an outside provider so I didn't have to wait all day. They said it was tried before, but the non-VA doctors were over billing for their services. I have no idea if that is true, but quickly realized it was likely psychological propaganda intended to subjugate veterans.

The best choice for veteran healthcare is to let the veteran's choice come first. There is zero reason why a veteran should not be able to walk into the provider of their choice, show their VA ID, receive the treatment they need, and the bill be covered by the VA. The 40 mile/30 day limit for the Choice Program is unacceptable and should be removed. Unless these things happen, all of this additional legislation which continues to allow the VA to meddle is just a waste of time.

"If it's stupid but works, then it isn't stupid."
- From Murphy's Laws of Combat

Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert, so use at own risk and/or consult a qualified professional representative. Please refer to existing VA laws, regulations, and policies for the most up to date information.

 

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