Veterans Choice

Long Waits Under VA's Private Health Program

By • Jun 5, 2018
WMFE

A key program being expanded by the Trump administration to give veterans greater access to private doctors has failed to provide care within 30 days as promised due to faulty data and poor record-keeping that could take years to remedy, according to a government investigation released Monday.

Florida Governor, VA Director Attend White House Bill Signing

By • Apr 20, 2017

The sunshine state was well represented at the White House Wednesday as President Trump signed a bill extending and improving the Veterans Choice Act which allows veterans to seek medical care outside the VA system under certain conditions.

Trump Extends Troubled VA Program That Pays Private Doctors

By editor • Apr 19, 2017

It's a fix that hasn't fixed much, but the troubled Veterans Choice program has been extended anyway.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a bill extending the program intended to speed veterans' access to health care beyond its original August end point.

For Doctors And Patients, 'Veterans Choice' Often Means Long Waits

By • Jun 6, 2016

When clinical psychiatrist Cher Morrow-Bradley and other health care providers call the Veterans Choice program, they are greeted with a recorded, 90-second "thank you" from Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald.

It's not having the intended effect.

"Why don't you make this easier? The process is so cumbersome, and I have to listen to you thanking me for spending all this time and then I get put on hold," says Morrow-Bradley, adding that she hasn't figured out how to skip the message.

Despite $10B 'Fix,' Veterans Are Waiting Even Longer To See Doctors

By • May 16, 2016

Many veterans are still waiting to see a doctor.

VA Ponders Closing Hospitals

By • Jul 14, 2015
U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller

The Department of Veterans Affairs may have to shut down some hospitals next month if Congress does not address a $2.5 billion shortfall for the current budget year, VA officials warned Monday.

The VA told Congress that it needs to cover shortfalls caused by an increased demand by veterans for health care, including costly treatments for hepatitis C. The agency also is considering furloughs, hiring freezes and other steps to close a funding gap for the budget year that ends Sept. 30.