Profit. That is what comes from this. If you believe that is good than buy shares in the myriad of urgent cares that are springing up all over.

This is not a good thing.

Look whose bill it was. If you can't trust a socialist, then we're all screwed.

and no privatization is not a good idea. Sorry. Although I agree with the poster below that TriCare might be a good option if they would open it up to Veterans. That makes sense to me.

just like with medicare and medicaid, patients can seek care from private providers.

What's wrong with this?

"The legislation would allow veterans to go to civilian doctors for the next two years if they live more than 40 miles from a VA treatment center or if they have been waiting more than 30 days for an appointment. It also provides funding for more health providers in the VA system."

Bernie Sanders is easily the most economically liberal person in our congress. He's the closest thing to a socialist we have.

we can do - you are correct about that. I really wish they'd take Tri-Care, Medicare, Medicaid, VA and form a good committee (with Bernie, Elizabeth and others) and make it into a single payer system. Given the capitalism I'm sure we'd still have secondary insurance opportunities and private pay providers, etc. Sliding scale on premiums based on income (free for Vets).

I did rec your post and hope it gets more discussion. It's a good topic.

He currently drives 60+ miles to the nearest VA and the care is less than adequate from his dealings over the years. He may get some other options, when the sole source is sometimes inadequate any other option is welcome.

They should offer TRICARE to VA patients as an alternative plan.

and it could have been a great alternative to Obamacare nationwide as well. My dad is VA too and moved closer to his local hospital. He has gotten great service through the years but I know it really varies by hospital (like the private world).

He had a VA appointment and they immediately scheduled two follow up appointments with specialists for next week.

This is what he has been trying to get done for the last two years and now "magically" they are all over him. This scandal will hopefully get a bunch of people some attention instead of the usual neglect.

I am that my dad has been one of the lucky ones. I am so glad your uncle is finally getting the help he needs.

... Better that they suffer so as not to cause political waves?

That's just... Sad....