Veterans deserve better access to health care

Letter to the Editor: Richmond Times-Dispatch

In reference to “VA hospitals are finding it harder to fill jobs, watchdog says,” Aug. 13, I think it’s important to note a few things.

A quick, basic search shows that these professions have been in short supply within the Veterans Affairs health care system for several years. The survey used to report the current “shortage” is from several months ago, and it’s a report on roles that are hard to fill, not what is currently open for hiring.

We need good people at the VA to make it a strong option for veterans’ care. As a veteran myself here in Virginia, I’m happy to know that my senator is keeping a critical eye on how the VA is staffed and managed.

I hope U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and the rest of the Virginia delegation apply the same concern for veterans to legislation that would give us more permanent access to care.

I’m thinking specifically about the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, legislation that would make access to care in the community permanent and relieve some of the pressure on the VA to provide and coordinate all care. It provides greater choice for veterans on where and how they get their health care, which should be the goal for not just veterans but for all Americans.

Veterans and our care are unique, with no two people having the exact same needs or health goals. Permanent, predictable access to care in our communities means we can find medical care that fits those unique needs. It also means the VA is still a viable option if that’s where we think we’ll receive the best care.

I want the VA appropriately staffed to meet veterans’ needs, but I don’t want the VA to be a bottleneck or gatekeeper to care when community care is an obvious option.

Christopher Hicks, Midlothian

Originally published on September 13, 2025 in the Richmond Times-Dispatch