We used to had a thing called a fee basis card, so we, Veterans, could see a local provider, for service connected issues. I do not see why we cannot have those again. With this so called Obamacare, why dont we just have a Medicare system (Vetcare?) where as we see our local doctor and the VA being billed? Would be so much cheaper in the long run.
As to Ellen's comment about the VA approving and then refusing to pay for care, I have 3 or 4 of those bills that I am fighting right now. That is not the "regular" VA system but the fiasco called VA CHOICE. Between the two systems the VA and Congress has everything so screwed up it is ridiculous. It needs to be changed and closing the out lying clinics and letting Veterans see a local General Practitioner of their own choice would be the best idea. Keep Ft. Harrison for longer term care and for those in Helena, but anyone over 40 miles distant, no.
By the way, that group that was "protesting" in Helena were from the Union, not just "Veterans supporting the system." That point was sure hidden or at least overlooked. Telling only half a story or a half truth is the same as telling a lie. Why not put all the facts forward?
Ellen - 8 years ago
Privatization like Veteran's Choice is a disaster, they authorize procedures and equipment and then later say they didn't authorize it, they take so long to pay the bills, that Veterans receive multiple bills and threats of collections for things that were authorized. It can take months to get an appointment and multiple calls to Veteran's Choice for services outside the VA, and you never talk to the same people and place as they contract with multiples places and companies. They need to hirer doctors, nurses and staff to work in the current VA facilities to serve our veterans who have served their country.
David - 8 years ago
Actually an interesting tilt but I personally believe that many Guard and Reserve Medical Units aren't allowed to really do their jobs everyday because of the constantly changing Command directives! So why not rotate these underutilized units to help. Yes there'd still be some gaps but now you've got people who were trained and wanting to feel value in themselves and their training helping. I suspect many would make good full time employees. I should know since I spent 22years of career in a medical unit!
We used to had a thing called a fee basis card, so we, Veterans, could see a local provider, for service connected issues. I do not see why we cannot have those again. With this so called Obamacare, why dont we just have a Medicare system (Vetcare?) where as we see our local doctor and the VA being billed? Would be so much cheaper in the long run.
As to Ellen's comment about the VA approving and then refusing to pay for care, I have 3 or 4 of those bills that I am fighting right now. That is not the "regular" VA system but the fiasco called VA CHOICE. Between the two systems the VA and Congress has everything so screwed up it is ridiculous. It needs to be changed and closing the out lying clinics and letting Veterans see a local General Practitioner of their own choice would be the best idea. Keep Ft. Harrison for longer term care and for those in Helena, but anyone over 40 miles distant, no.
By the way, that group that was "protesting" in Helena were from the Union, not just "Veterans supporting the system." That point was sure hidden or at least overlooked. Telling only half a story or a half truth is the same as telling a lie. Why not put all the facts forward?
Privatization like Veteran's Choice is a disaster, they authorize procedures and equipment and then later say they didn't authorize it, they take so long to pay the bills, that Veterans receive multiple bills and threats of collections for things that were authorized. It can take months to get an appointment and multiple calls to Veteran's Choice for services outside the VA, and you never talk to the same people and place as they contract with multiples places and companies. They need to hirer doctors, nurses and staff to work in the current VA facilities to serve our veterans who have served their country.
Actually an interesting tilt but I personally believe that many Guard and Reserve Medical Units aren't allowed to really do their jobs everyday because of the constantly changing Command directives! So why not rotate these underutilized units to help. Yes there'd still be some gaps but now you've got people who were trained and wanting to feel value in themselves and their training helping. I suspect many would make good full time employees. I should know since I spent 22years of career in a medical unit!