Panel weighs closing all VA health care — vets' groups raise conflict of interest

[Ilsa]

13. I believe every word of what you say.

But I'm concerned about those vets who have difficulty getting to a VA clinic at all. Usually, my cousin needs to take several days off work to drive several hours, stay overnight with relatives or in a hotel, then go in early for fasting labwork, etc. Then drive back home, then take a another day a week or so later to see his dr.

The good part (in addition to your list) also includes their putting him into a special group to receive extra benefits he might be entitled to later if he develops certain illnesses because of where he was stationed. I can't imagine a typical social worker being able to keep up with that. He's had no complaints about his care. It just isn't a quick trip to his local doctor, and it is too far away for emergency care. He got stung pretty hard financially many years ago when he was uninsured and needed emergency care.

Perhaps the best of both worlds would be to offer a medicare-type plan to vets living more than a given number of miles from a comprehensive VA center?

I'm really glad, and proud, that the VA has done tight by you and so many others!