Congress is getting a clearer picture now of the Veterans Affairs Department’s vision to improve its community health care program. But it’s largely skeptical that VA can effectively manage such a vast overhaul of the program, and it questioned the department’s continued role in scheduling veterans’ appointments.
According to the VA’s proposal, the new Choice Program would let veterans choose whether they want to access a VA medical center or a private sector provider in the community for care. If the veteran chooses community care, he or she can pick a VA-approved provider from the network list.
The VA organized its provider networks into three tiers:
Tier 1: VA medical centers, including Defense Department, Indian Health Service, Tribal health programs and federally qualified health center providers
Tier 2: Top quality community providers, which the VA will rate using a series of performance metrics
Tier 3: Community providers that meet the VA’s standard criteria
Yet members were concerned and confused by the VA’s three-tiered system and questioned why the department needed to group its care options in the first place.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
1 comment:
I've already been through this VA 'Choice' thing. Administered by a company in California that is TOTALLY incompetent (and couldn't care less)
We couldn't even get an appointment set up with the outside provider, even after HOURS on the phone with these people.
At least the VA tells you it's going to be six weeks till you can get in.
This is where Obamacare is headed, folks.
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