Veterans would be able to receive their healthcare from a government chartered nonprofit corporation rather than the Department of Veterans Affairs, under a new bill introduced this week by a member of the House Republican leadership.
The Caring for our Heroes in the 21st Century Act, from House GOP Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, could give veterans a way out of the troubled VA system that continues to suffer from long wait times, and is still the subject of complaints that it’s not doing enough to fix those problems. The Washington state Republican says the bill would effectively reduce the role of the VA Health Administration by transferring healthcare responsibilities to a Veterans Accountable Care Organization.
“With the never-ending wait times and the VA secretary doubling down on his comparison to Disney, the time has long passed for the VA to make the necessary changes to ensure that our veterans are treated effectively, seen efficiently, and cared for with respect,” McMorris Rodgers said in a statement. “Veterans should be freed from a system that offers them little or no choice.”
She was referring to a statement from Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald, who said no one complains about long lines at Disney, and that it’s only the product being offered that matters.
The nonprofit corporation would be run by a board of directors including the VA secretary, and members appointed by Congress and the president.
New veterans would automatically enroll in a program called VetsCare Choice, allowing them to seek private healthcare, while veterans previously receiving healthcare benefits from the VA could remain on their current plan with the VA or alternatively seek privatized care.
“With this draft legislation, my goal is for veterans to have the ability to choose what healthcare plan best fits their individual needs. This proposal should serve as the starting point for putting veterans in charge of their healthcare,” McMorris Rodgers said.
Currently, some veterans are allowed to seek private care under the Veterans Choice Program, provided they have waited more than 30 days for an appointment from the Veterans Health Administration or if the live more than 40 miles from a VA facility. McMorris Rodgers’ proposal would permit any veteran to transfer to the Veterans Choice Program.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has advocated for similar legislation to expand the Choice Program to include disabled and eligible veterans. McCain introduced the Care Veterans Deserve Act in April 2016.
“While major progress has been made in reforming the VA, much more needs to be done to tear down bureaucratic hurdles that are denying veterans the flexible, quality care they have earned and deserve,” McCain said in a statement. “This legislation is critical to expanding access to care for working veterans, while ensuring every veteran has flexibility and choice — no matter where they live or how long they are waiting for care.”
The Veterans Health Administration oversees more than 1,700 hospitals and clinics and provides care to more than 9 million veterans.
The Caring for our Heroes in the 21st Century Act is currently draft legislation and has not been formally introduced to the House yet.
