Unfortunately, our predictive abilities at NCPA’s Health Policy Blog appear to be holding up pretty well. Last July, I wrote that giving billions of dollars to the Veterans Health Administration to “fix” the problems of long waiting lists for treatment would be viewed by the VHA bureaucrats as a “reward,” and they would react accordingly.
That is exactly what has happened:
One year after an explosive Veterans Affairs scandal sparked national outrage, the number of veterans on wait lists to be treated for everything from Hepatitis C to post-traumatic stress is 50 percent higher
Ahead of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs budget hearing scheduled for Thursday, VA leaders also warned that they are facing a $2.6 billion budget shortfall. They said they may have to start a hiring freeze or furloughs unless funding is reallocated for the federal government’s second-largest department. (Emily Wax-Thibodeaux, “One year after VA scandal, the number of veterans waiting for care is up 50 percent,” Washington Post, June 23, 2015)
At what point does a government bureaucracy that fails so badly get put out of business? Not very often, and not soon enough.
NCPA’s CEO, Allen B. West, has also written about this scandal.
Who holds the purse strings currently? I suggest Mr. West go talk to his colleagues in the House if he wants change.
The ball is in your court Mr. West…
Change to veterans’ health is not about more money, but autonomy for veterans.
I am a Vet, Gulf 1 under Pappy Bush, and it is about access (not outsourcing) which means more funding.
Again Mr. West, I’m looking at you. Help your fellow Vets’.