The solution is blindingly simple: set it up like Medicare.
Shut down ALL the VA hospitals. There are no Medicare hospitals, are there?
Provide qualifying veterans with a VA insurance card, similar to a Medicare card. Allow them to take it to the doctor of their choice. The doctor then bills the VA, but the VA is only responsible for paying for the treatment.
It’s actually less expensive than having the VA providing “care.” They can shut down/sell off the buildings and equipment, RIF all the workers out and be done.
That solution isn’t perfect, but it’s FAR better than what we have.
Dad qualified for VA medical benefits by virtue of WWII. He had to ride in an OATS Van for about 4 hrs. to the nearest VA facility. Sometimes took all day to go up and back. That got him his meds. Everything else he got from his Ins. for retirees from the Hospital where he had worked.
Except for operation on his shoulder. Then they wanted him to do Physical Therapy at the VA location. Travel for 4 hrs. take PT and travel another 4 hrs. He finally got them to agree to do it a the local hospital where he had previously worked.
The specialists @ the VA that they referred him to, often quit before his next appt. which would be rescheduled-one was about 2 years before he got in. One time they were so behind on appts. that he missed the OATS Van home. They wound up sending him home in a Taxi. He was astounded.
I too think that they should be able to get the Dr. and hospital they want where it is more accessible, and whatever their choice is and where ever.
Do you know how Tri-Care works? I thought it was kind of like regular Insurance for retired military and families, and that they didn’t have to use VA only facilities.