I voted yes. While in WNY we have two very good hospitals, the VA as a whole has never really done a great job. I think they would be better off with another system. But, I don't think the answer is letting somebody else run the system, I think it should be ended. Give vets something like a "Gold" card where they can go where they want, when they want, for the treatment they need.
I understand that impulse, John, but with health care costs going up many times faster than the rate of inflation and no policy answer (not even a real discussion) about how to deal with these out-of-control escalating costs, dumping all the veterans into the private market would be a fiscal disaster for taxpayers (not that the VA system is entirely immune from health care cost inflation but it has some cost controls built in).
I think the taxpayer would save money. The number of veterans is dropping and the cost of the VA is going up. With fewer vets and a fixed hospital cost, giving a "super card" to vets, I think, will save money in the long run.
As a Marine Corps Veteran, I have been eligible for Veterans benefits since 1996. Since 1996 I have been in Private coverage. The difference in level of care was astounding. Lower wait times, faster testing, and a much more personalized level of care. I even lucked out and have a veteran for my personal care Physician.
Don't privatize.. but get the dang thing fixed! Many veterans have good care, but others are not getting the care they deserve and that we promised them.
Although privatization in theory will encourage efficiencies and competition for the best treatment, in reality it will lead to "lowest bidder" health care.. basically the same or worse health care with somebody skimming money off the top. No guarantee of improved service or cost savings.
I voted yes. While in WNY we
I voted yes. While in WNY we have two very good hospitals, the VA as a whole has never really done a great job. I think they would be better off with another system. But, I don't think the answer is letting somebody else run the system, I think it should be ended. Give vets something like a "Gold" card where they can go where they want, when they want, for the treatment they need.
I understand that impulse,
I understand that impulse, John, but with health care costs going up many times faster than the rate of inflation and no policy answer (not even a real discussion) about how to deal with these out-of-control escalating costs, dumping all the veterans into the private market would be a fiscal disaster for taxpayers (not that the VA system is entirely immune from health care cost inflation but it has some cost controls built in).
I think the taxpayer would
I think the taxpayer would save money. The number of veterans is dropping and the cost of the VA is going up. With fewer vets and a fixed hospital cost, giving a "super card" to vets, I think, will save money in the long run.
You're more optimistic than I
You're more optimistic than I am ... and you're plan doesn't appear to be what the White House is proposing.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/sacrificing-veterans-he…
As a Marine Corps Veteran, I
As a Marine Corps Veteran, I have been eligible for Veterans benefits since 1996. Since 1996 I have been in Private coverage. The difference in level of care was astounding. Lower wait times, faster testing, and a much more personalized level of care. I even lucked out and have a veteran for my personal care Physician.
I haven't looked back.
All Veterans Should Have
All Veterans Should Have Carte Blanche Medical Care!! "All Gave Some,,, Some Gave All!!"
Don't privatize.. but get the
Don't privatize.. but get the dang thing fixed! Many veterans have good care, but others are not getting the care they deserve and that we promised them.
Although privatization in theory will encourage efficiencies and competition for the best treatment, in reality it will lead to "lowest bidder" health care.. basically the same or worse health care with somebody skimming money off the top. No guarantee of improved service or cost savings.