Veterans group sends policy recommendations that provide for public need and ensure veterans’ access to care
ARLINGTON, Va.—Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) on Thursday sent a letter to President Trump, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Wilkie and members of Congress outlining a set of policy recommendations and actions that will ensure veterans maintain access to health care services and position the VA to utilize its resources to meet the dynamic needs of the American public in light of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
CVA Executive Director Nate Anderson had this to say about the situation and the policy recommendations:
“Minimizing the spread of COVID-19 is a significant challenge for leaders at all levels and in all sectors, particularly in health care. As an authority in that space, the VA must pursue solutions to meet the health care needs of American veterans. At a time when uncertainty is high and access to routine VA medical care is being reduced, it is more important than ever the VA take immediate steps to increase flexibility for our nation’s veterans instead of leaving them with few or no good options.
We implore leaders in Washington to act now by implementing measures that provide flexible and timely health care options to veterans, expedite supply chain and community care payments, and coordinate with civilian providers to better inform veteran patients and their families of the options available. These measures will better serve veterans, allow more robust communication between VA and civilian medical providers, and reduce bureaucratic barriers that may otherwise prevent Americans from remaining healthy in this difficult time.”
The letter outlines 11 recommendations the VA and members of Congress could take as they weigh actions and policies in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. From offering prescription flexibility to approving pending community care claims to temporarily allowing veterans full and unrestricted access to community care options, CVA says these recommendations will allow veterans to continue receiving services while making sure the VA’s “fourth mission” of delivering care to the civilian population in times of emergency is best met.
You can read the full letter here.
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