Perry, Texas hospitals propose plan for VA backlog

[unhappycamper]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/texas/article/Perry-Texas-hospitals-propose-plan-for-VA-backlog-5546934.php

Perry, Texas hospitals propose plan for VA backlog
By PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press : June 12, 2014 : Updated: June 12, 2014 5:08am

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry was set to announce Thursday efforts to identify Texas hospitals that are willing to take more patients out of backlogged Veterans Affairs facilities and to propose reimbursement through Medicare so providers are paid more quickly.

Several of the largest health systems in Texas — some of which already accept VA patients — have signed onto the idea, according to Perry aides. Perry's plans would require the federal government's approval.

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a bill making it easier for veterans who have encountered delays getting initial visits to receive VA-paid treatment from local doctors instead. The House passed a similar measure Tuesday. Perry spokeswoman Lucy Nashed said Perry's proposal to the Veteran Affairs Department builds on those measures by identifying hospitals "willing to step up" and offering a solution to slow reimbursements for providers.

Federal data released this week showed that VA facilities in Texas have some of the longest wait times for veterans trying to see a doctor for the first time. The FBI has now launched an investigation into the Veteran Affairs Department amid allegations of falsified records and inappropriate scheduling practices.

[DhhD]

1. As it is now, Veterans, age 65 or disabled, can choose to be with the VA Healthcare or Medicare.

And can switch back and forth every month. The hitch was that any care given during the months on Medicare, the Veteran had to pay the 20% that Medicare does not pay. In 2013, the ACA allowed a private provider to determine if the Veteran was eligible for Medicaid to pay that 20%. There are some other set deductibles in the costs, under some circumstances, that are paid by Medicare and/or the VA.

The newly passed VA Bill may allow the patient to stay in the private provider's care at a cost situation determined by the new law and paid for by the VA, instead of the moving the Veteran to the VA after stabilization or at the beginning of the coming month.

Veteran used to use this switching to get a second opinion. But it could be costly if the Veteran waited too long passed a second opinion diagnosis and/or needed to be hospitalized. With the new law, Veterans seem be be out of the traps set by the VA and the Private Provider healthcare systems in effect for now.

I do not have a link to a copy of the new law.