A bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives on Tuesday seeks to reduce the long wait times that veterans face when seeking health care appointments at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Problem of VA Wait Times
According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2019, more than 1.5 million veterans waited longer than 30 days for a primary care, mental health, or specialty care appointment at the VA in fiscal year 2018. The report also found that the VA’s data on wait times was unreliable and did not reflect the actual experiences of veterans.
The long wait times have been linked to various negative outcomes for veterans, such as increased stress, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and reduced satisfaction with the VA health care system. Some veterans have even died while waiting for care, as revealed by a scandal in 2014 that exposed widespread manipulation of appointment data and scheduling practices at the VA.
The Solution: The VA Scheduling Accountability Act
The bill, called the VA Scheduling Accountability Act, was introduced by Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Joe Cunningham (D-SC), both members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The bill would require the VA to adhere to its own scheduling policy, which mandates that veterans should be able to schedule an appointment within 30 days of their preferred date or the date medically determined by their provider.
The bill would also require the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on its compliance with the scheduling policy, and to notify Congress of any changes to the policy. Additionally, the bill would authorize the VA to use alternative methods of scheduling, such as online platforms and mobile applications, to improve veterans’ access to care.
The bill has received support from several veterans’ advocacy groups, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The sponsors of the bill hope that it will pass both chambers of Congress and be signed into law by President Biden.
The Impact: Better Health Care for Veterans
The VA Scheduling Accountability Act is expected to have a positive impact on the health care of veterans, especially those who suffer from chronic or mental health conditions that require timely and regular care. By ensuring that the VA follows its own scheduling policy, the bill would help reduce the wait times and improve the quality of care for veterans.
The bill would also increase the transparency and accountability of the VA, by requiring it to report on its performance and notify Congress of any changes to its policy. This would help prevent any future scandals or abuses of the scheduling system, and restore the trust and confidence of veterans and the public in the VA.
The bill would also enable the VA to use innovative and convenient ways of scheduling, such as online platforms and mobile applications, that would give veterans more options and flexibility to access care. This would enhance the veterans’ experience and satisfaction with the VA health care system.
