Cost of scramble to solve VA wait crisis: $54B yearly

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/06/21/3254660/cost-of-scramble-to-solve-va-wait.html?sp=/99/261/

Cost of scramble to solve VA wait crisis: $54B yearly
By TOM PHILPOTT
Contributing Writer
June 21, 2014

Like a waiter bringing the check after a high-spirited meal in a fine restaurant, the Congressional Budget Office has dampened some good vibes among lawmakers who rushed to solve the access-to-care crisis for veterans.

The CBO estimates the cost of requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide non-VA medical care to any enrolled veteran who cannot get a VA medical appointment within 30 days, or who lives more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, at a stunning $54 billion annually.

That estimate takes into account language in both the House and Senate versions of the bill that would end new guarantees on access to non-VA care after two years. But by then, the CBO predicts, 2 million more vets who don’t use VA care today will be drawn to it by new ease of access.

Veterans service organizations, though grateful overall, are worried about unintended consequences of HR 4810, as passed by the House, and of HR 3230, as modified and passed by the Senate. If politicians aren’t truly committed to treating more vets, then VA budgets to run existing facilities could be put at risk, and many vets won’t see gains in access long term.