When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, the Department of Veterans Affairs was turned on its head. Suddenly, millions of medical appointments were canceled, both at VA facilities and in community care programs. Non-urgent care has yet to get back to normal. A year later, America’s veterans have felt the effects of COVID-19 and canceled… Read more »
Seven years ago, the Phoenix VA Medical Center wait-time scandal exploded, revealing a mismanaged system that was denying timely care to veterans and, in some cases, leaving them to die. If the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t act soon to get a handle on the lack of access to community care, the tragedy could happen again,… Read more »
Over the years, the Department of Veterans Affairs and its predecessors have had to adapt to an ever-changing population of veterans. The next four will be no different. As the VA, Congress, and veterans’ advocates seek to improve and innovate, they should keep in mind what General Omar Bradley said when modernizing the post-World War… Read more »
Three months ago, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued guidance that limited veterans’ access to medical appointments through the Community Care Program. Today, that guidance has yet to be rescinded or even clarified as wait times for appointments continue to skyrocket. The latest data from the VA shows a dramatic increase in appointments taking longer… Read more »
Bob Phipps comes from a military family. His father was a gunner’s mate in the Navy during World War II. His siblings answered the call to serve, too, with his sister choosing the Army and his brother serving as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam. Bob added a different branch of service to the family legacy,… Read more »
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, veterans are still looking for answers about their access to the health care they need. In late March, the Department of Veterans Affairs proposed limiting veterans’ ability to seek care in their communities through the VA MISSION Act. This proposal raised many questions: How should veterans move forward with getting… Read more »
We’ve seen historic reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs over the last few years, including increased health care choice for veterans and more accountability at the VA. But in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA has backtracked on much of its progress, shutting down most access to community health care, leaving many… Read more »
