There are a lot of VA facilities that deliver excellent care. What needs to happen is the shutdown of the VA facilities that are found to be substandard. These are often a reflection of their locations—Detroit, Atlanta, etc. They are staffed by union-protected employees who care little for the people they serve. Given their location and the people they have to draw upon for employees—I say shut those down. There is no hope. Keep the VA facilities who deliver good care open, as they fill a niche that civilian organizations can’t replicate.
I agree.
The one in Milwaukee seems really good. My husband goes there. I do think they are in an older building and probably have to handle more than they should. My husband is able to see non-VA providers and the VA pays for it. We live about 30 miles from the hospital so that may be why it works this way for us. But, he does go there for most of his care.
Last year, he had a severe issue and was in the local hospital for a few weeks. They OK’d that rather than transfer him. Whatever Medicare did not cover, they did.
We are truly blessed that he is covered by the VA. I appreciate Tricare too!!
If the substandard VAH’s are shut down, as you suggest, then what do vets in rural areas do? I’m currently 3 hours from the nearest VAH. Supposing it shuts down. Do I then drive 5 hours to the next?