Should VA Healthcare be eliminated?

2015-08-30T01:55:23-04:00

Army Times: Veterans groups upset with Carson's plan to eliminate VA
From Army Times

Veterans groups upset with Carson's plan to eliminate VA

http://militari.ly/1EpxlMw

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Aug 30 at 2015 4:33 AM

2015-08-30T04:33:53-04:00

This is where Dr. Carson shows his weakness as a presidential candidate. This is at best, a "misinformed" opinion, which could leave millions of Veterans out in the cold when it comes to future health care. Many Veterans have served with distinction, and deserve the aid that the VA system provides for them. Is the system perfect ? No, and this is why we need a strong presidential candidate who is willing to address this. Dr Carson's plan to just add the VA type services to the DOD would be adding a huge new pot of problems to a DOD that already has their own full plate.

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Aug 30 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-08-30T11:40:14-04:00

This is a duplicate of another post a few days ago.

Response by SGT John W Lugo made Aug 30 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-08-30T15:34:19-04:00

Yes, they don't really seem to care for the Veterans.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 30 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-08-30T15:35:48-04:00

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member No, it shoudl be overhaul and reorganized. If you have any ideas or comments please join the conversation and work effort that is being put together by three great RP Members Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, and LTC John Shaw. Take a look at this post - we need all the input and feedback we can get:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/white-paper-crowd-sourcing-a-solution-to-the-dept-of-vet-affairs

White Paper: Crowd-sourcing a Solution to the Dept of Vet Affairs | RallyPoint

All Con. Based on recent running discussions, it is beyond obvious that there is an issue with the Department of Veterans Affairs. At the urging of [~138758:COL Mikel Burroughs] a few members of the RP Community are developing a "White Paper" with a proposal on how to "Fix" this issue. The major advantage of the RP community is not only its size, but it's breadth of Knowledge, Experience, but also the fact that we care about this issue. We...

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 31 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-08-31T10:09:51-04:00

My experiences with the VA were bad to say the least. They barely examined me and wanted to throw drugs at me. When dealing with the mental health people, they seemed more interested in learning if I owned firearms than actually trying to help me with the panic attacks. I eventually stopped using the VA system completely and rely on my private insurance. I think there needs to be care in place but the system we have now is dysfunctional and broken. Sometimes it is just easier to tear it down and start over. I would be in favor if dismantling the VA as it currently exists and making an insurance that would provide the same level of care (as it exists on paper now) or greater so long as the cost to the veteran is not increased. If this were to happen there would need to be a phased transition in place to ensure that no one slips through the cracks and have access to the care that they need.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Sep 1 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-09-01T12:26:12-04:00

Dr. Carson seems to be a nice enough person, but this is one area where he is absolutely, flat-out wrong! What needs to happen to the VA is to eliminate the majority of the upper echelons, and filling required slots with those who have spent sufficient time (4 years minimum) in the trenches taking care of Veterans. Second, the whole nonsense of "bonuses" needs to be eliminated! Whoever heard of getting a bonus for doing your job? Bonuses, especially in this instance, does nothing except encourage employees to lie about their accomplishments. The VA needs restructuring, and a good old fashioned house cleaning, but I believe it can be salvaged and turned around!