(Army Times) Editorial: Little faith in VA’s Plan B

[unhappycamper]

Little faith in VA’s Plan B

Last month, senior Department of Veterans Affairs officials told Congress that VA needed to hire a private contractor to handle claims and payments when the new Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect Aug. 1.

A month later, VA officials said they couldn’t find a qualified contractor who wanted the job. So claims and payments under the new program will be processed in-house by VA employees.

VA Secretary James Peake blamed the lack of private-sector interest on “external misconceptions as to the scope of the work involved,” inferring that the task had been portrayed as tougher than it actually will be.

But even VA’s top benefits official calls the program “unusually complex.” VA will have to set a maximum tuition rate for each state every year; calculate payments for every individual based on the tuition for their particular school; and manage additional payments for books, tutors and more.

Peake insists VA will be ready next summer. That’s hard to believe, when a month ago, his people said they couldn’t do this alone.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_editorial_planb_102708/



uhc comment: Prediction: Come August 1, 2009, the VA will suddenly find they cannot process claims and payments.

Peake, Dubya, Gates and the current administration could give a shit about providing anything other than bombs, bullets and expensive hardware. People? Fuck 'em.