Free Republic

http://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/226014-oversight-needed-on-new-va-law “The average person would expect better customer service and professionalism from the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Whether it’s incompetence or indifference, why should we tolerate such behavior in VISN 16 when we’re dealing with veterans’ life-saving medical care?” “By tolerating inappropriate denials, his organization needlessly forces thousands of Louisiana veterans into a lengthy appeals process that can last more than two years.”

Lewis-Payton admitted VISN 16 must work on “trust issues” with veterans and providers. Some of these individuals accuse VISN 16 of systematically gaming medical-record filing deadlines and leaving veterans with massive debts. When providers sent required medical records by certified mail, VA employees shredded them without explanation, insisting they were incomplete after the 90 day filing deadline had expired. As a result of this practice, one Louisiana veteran owes more than $22,000 and is being pursued by a collection agency. Lewis-Payton has not replied to questions about this case. In other cases, VISN 16 reportedly cited absurd reasons for leaving...

States also struggle as increased Medicaid spending crowds out other budget priorities, and they blame federal rules, allowing individuals with substantial assets to enroll in this welfare program. In a letter to Congress, the State of Virginia writes “the federal government should give states greater flexibility to consider assets when determining eligibility for LTC coverage through the Medicaid program.” The State of Wisconsin agrees this will “help ensure the long-term sustainability of such programs for their residents in most need of government assistance.” Federal rules force states to disregard more than a half million dollars in home equity and the...