Let everyone into VA hospitals?

[eridani]

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110531/OPINION03/105310334/Why-don-t-we-expand-VA-health-system-

The Register recently editorialized that it doesn't make sense to operate a multi-billion VA health care system that runs parallel to the nation's vast private health care system of hospitals and clinics. It serves only one segment of the population. A better option would be providing veterans health insurance, similar to Medicare for seniors. Then they would be allowed to go to any hospital or clinic, rather than having to travel long distances for care. The thousands of health care workers currently employed by the government could work in the private sector and treat more Americans.

On the opposite page, Donald Cooper, director of VA Central Iowa Health Care System, takes issue with that idea. He suggests instead that Americans should learn from the VA. It certainly does have a record of providing good care. For example, it does a better job preventing hospital-acquired infections than private hospitals. A "connected" system of facilities allows for easy access to comprehensive medical records, which can prevent unnecessary tests and medical errors.

He makes good points. And he got us thinking: Maybe the VA shouldn't be dismantled. Maybe it should be available to everyone. What if the VA's hospitals and clinics became THE health care system in this country?

[bluestate10]

1. I do not support allowing non-Vets into VA hospitals.

The solution is to fix general health-care. The health care reform law that was passed in 2009 started the fix. Vermont is taking a bold, important step toward the next level.

[eridani]

2. But we could incorporate other hospitals into the VA system, no? n/t

[Autumn]

3. I would like to see them open it to families of Veterans.

It's a very efficient program. Any health care reform should be modeled on VA IMO.

[Pigheaded]

4. The VA can't even provide care for the vet population NT

[CAG]

5. ....because of lack of adequate funding from pukes who want to see it

shriveled up

[moondust]

7. Really?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=1214097&mesg_id=1214417

[xmas74]

6. I'm thankful to the VA hospital system

They offered wonderful care for my grandfather in his final days.

If they were all run like that...

[eridani]

8. Most VA problems have been related to privatization AFAIK n/t