The national election is nearly approaching, and many plans have been laid out for the American people if a particular politician wins. One is the plan of the Republican vice presidential nominee, Senator JD Vance, about private healthcare for Veterans, especially with private doctors, for faster consultation and medical care. This might be a good or bad idea, but the most important thing is that Veterans will have a better experience and assistance when it comes to their benefits, especially healthcare.
In 2012, as part of the campaign, Mitt Romney touched on the idea of privatizing health care for Veterans with the use of a voucher system. However, a lot of organizations were displeased at that time by the idea, so Romney did not pursue it. However, after a decade, vice presidential nominee JD Vance is now touching on the same concept.
The Plan for Private Healthcare for Veterans
Vance is now much more open to making changes in terms of better health care for Veterans. He was a former Marine who had served in Iraq in a public affairs role. After completing his contract, the VA healthcare system became his main point of support for a few years. Vance elaborates that the design of the organization in terms of seeking medical health is good; it’s just that it should be more flexible, just like going to private institutions to seek help. While flexibility is his focus, he did not endorse privatizing all Veterans’ care.
He even added that to see the doctor, Veterans often drive for hours to a VA facility. This can be avoided if there is a cheaper and better clinic or hospital within the Veterans’ area. This will give service members more options for achieving faster and better healthcare.
Plus, Vets can avoid long hours of travel, which is sometimes quite exhausting. Vance continued by saying that occasionally, a person will spend at least three hours making an appointment over the phone. Sometimes, getting an appointment is a hassle, too, as it can take up to 28 days to see a doctor.
Backlash Faced by Privatizing Healthcare
Regardless of the true intention of private healthcare for Veterans, it still received questions, doubts, and backlash. The main issue of those who do not accept the idea is shifting VA funds to private doctors. Some critics and Veteran advocates insisted that expanding the health care program and incorporating more options may create a considerable problem in dismantling VA funding.
In recent years, the VA’s budget has grown; in 2001, they spent a total of $48 billion. Now, the request for fiscal year 2025 reached $330 billion. According to VA officials, almost 40% of Vets turned to doctors outside the department’s health care system in FY 2023. Since 2019, the percentage of people using VA Community Care options has spiked to 45%. However, the Mission Act expanded the option for Vets to see a non-VA doctor during the Trump administration. Under this signed act, they can seek outside medical care if they have to drive 30 minutes to get primary or mental care or are 60 minutes away for specialty care. This means that the Mission Act has already covered Vance’s vision of private healthcare for Veterans.
When the Mission Act was passed in 2018, it gained bipartisan support, but it became more partisan over time. Republicans have concluded that the Biden administration has limited the number of referrals for community care. To combat the growing issue, Congressional Republicans submitted bills to strengthen the eligibility guidelines and for the VA not to refuse any referral. However, the most important thing is that Veterans should be able to get proper and adequate healthcare assistance.
Know Your VA Healthcare Eligibility
Every Veteran is entitled to reasonable medical assistance, which is why the VA has expanded its coverage. Those Veterans who meet the basic service and dismissal requirements and fall under the category of exposure to other hazards or toxins are eligible for health care. This covers the Vets who served during the Gulf War, Iraq, Vietnam War, and Afghanistan or have joined other combats after 9/11.
You must have served in the Naval, Air, or Military service and not received a dishonorable discharge. You need to have enlisted after September 7, 1980, and be a former or current National Guard or Reserve member. But if you need further help with your application, you can call their toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387.
Suggested reads:
- Veterans Benefits – The Ultimate Guide for Benefits, Applying, and More
- VA Community Care – Eligibility, Services, Billing, and More
- What Are the 23 Illnesses Covered Under the PACT Act?
Sources:
- Vance Would ‘Consider’ Expanding Private Care Options for Veterans if Trump Wins | Military.com
- Dems pounce as Vance opens door to privatizing some VA services (msnbc.com)
- JD Vance would consider privatizing some VA services if elected (yahoo.com)
- Eligibility For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs