"VA CARD" PROPOSAL GOES ZERO-FOR-TWO AT

"VA CARD" PROPOSAL GOES ZERO-FOR-TWO AT VETERANS' CONVENTIONS

DAV and VFW both

reject concept of privatizing VA healthcare by issuing

a "VA Card" for veterans to use outside system.







Some thoughts below:

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The push continues for a "VA Card" that veterans can use to get healthcare in the private sector.
Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) wants to do it. Story here ...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/07/nf07/nfMA
R07/nf030907-3.htm

Others have bought in to the idea, at least part of the way. That includes Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Story here ...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfMA
R08/nf031208-6.htm

Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) wants to do it and has been pushing the concept at veterans' conventions. Stories here ...
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfAUG08/nf081008-1.htm
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfAUG08/nf081908-6.htm

The two links above are stories about McCain at the 2008 DAV and VFW conventions. His "VA Card" proposal was met with what can only be described as indifference by the veterans, and something close to hostility by the brass of the service orgs.

But, McCain and others keep pushing.

And, the service orgs keep pushing back and saying it's a bad idea.

Both the DAV and VFW are to be congratulated for their strong stand on this issue. The DAV says, "Veterans are better served at VA." The VFW talks of "undermining the entire system."

It should be a no-brainer: Private healthcare costs more than VA healthcare. So why is this being pushed so hard?

We need to think like a reporter, who, when confronted with a story like this where there are two conflicting interests and lots of money is involved, asks the question:

"Who stands to profit?"

Not the veterans. Certainly not the VA who would lose employees and have to close facilities, which is another loss for veterans.

So, that leaves private healthcare providers.

Now you know "Who stands to profit?" from the "VA Card" concept.

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posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org

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