I have been following the latest scandal related to VA Healthcare and the reactions that have followed. Today the House voted on the VA Management Authority with over the 2/3's majority needed to move it forward. Now all the political finger pointing has escalated (as expected) and people are calling for Shinseki to step down. I am a veteran, a VA patient, and a healthcare manager (non VA) so I have my own opinions on the situation, but I'm curious to hear other peoples take on the situation. My personal opinion related to Shinseki, is that he should not have to step down. He inherited the VA with all their preexisting problems, and one man (even one at the top) can not be held personally responsible for the system wide failure of such a large healthcare system (especially one that is government owned & operated). Shinseki seems more like a fall guy, which doesn't seem entirely fair IMHO.
Can I ask a rather ignorant question? I say that because I really don't know the answer. Why do veterans have to go to special hospitals and facilities? Why can't they just go to the same ones everyone else goes to? Is it because of an insurance plan or something? -Matt
Because a lot of us are messed up! Take Dr. R.D. for example.:haha: and me. :alcoholic: In all seriousness, VA Hospitals have come a long way and I personally think some of them are pretty top notch compared to 20 + years ago. Of course the media never shows all the good that is done in them just the bad apples!
The Origin of the VA Motto Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/vamotto.pdf "President Lincoln’s words have stood the test of time, and stand today as a solemn reminder of VA’s commitment to care for those injured in our nation’s defense and the families of those killed in its service. "
Because (a) we put them in harm's way and (b) they often have unique problems, many of which do not manifest until long after they've served.
It's not just that I don't appreciate this--I don't at all. But I've never been treated by the VA and have no service-connected issues.
Hundreds of vacancies at VA 'Why didn't they prepare?' Hundreds of VA vacancies, as returning vets strain system | Fox News Besides the military, never worked for the government but I have to admit some of these positions look appealing. www.usajobs.com Peace!:doh:
Abolish the VA. Provide voucher to military, usable in any and all medical facility in US territories. All medical facilities in US territories must accept such voucher, and get paid at average rate (not medigarbage levels). Or, voucher is to health insurance companies, and they must accept it. No special or separate plans are allowed. The plans must be from the civy available plans. This way the hospitals do not "adjust" the service, nor can the insurance co cut corners. I worked for the VA for a few months. I could not stand the lifelong scum that "worked" there. My brother (MD), the dummy keeps going back. Career bureaucrats treat us like dirt, and treat the sick worse.