Duval Times

On July 2, 2024, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and 18 of their colleagues in urging Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to address policy changes that are reportedly restricting veterans' access to care. In a letter, the senators emphasized the importance of community care for veterans and criticized recent VA initiatives that they argue undermine this access.

The letter states, "Congress has never failed to provide VA with the resources required to fulfill its mission. If you believe that VA lacks the funding to provide the level of access to care that veterans deserve in VA and in the community, it is incumbent on you to reprioritize resources from non-patient care areas and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse."

The MISSION Act, passed by Congress in 2018, aimed to increase veterans' access to healthcare providers within their communities. However, recent actions by VA leaders have raised concerns among lawmakers about reduced opportunities for community care. The senators contend that such reductions could jeopardize veteran health.

Joining Senators Scott and Moran were Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

In January, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health at the VA, convened a panel referred to as the “Red Team” to evaluate increasing community care spending. The panel concluded that community care posed an "existential threat" to the VA's direct care system. Recommendations included reducing referrals for emergency, oncology, and mental health services—a move criticized by lawmakers as potentially harmful.

Instances cited include cases where veterans had their community care authorizations revoked mid-treatment or were denied necessary follow-up treatments locally available during previous illness episodes.

The letter further addresses claims from whistleblowers within VA medical facilities regarding administrative practices allegedly aligned with Red Team recommendations. Reports suggest increased scrutiny over community care referrals amid staffing cuts due to a strategic hiring pause aimed at reducing personnel by 10,000 employees.

Concerns also surfaced regarding funding allocations for veteran services. Despite assurances from Secretary McDonough about sufficient funding levels and cost-effectiveness of community care compared with direct care systems ($58 vs $116 per RVU respectively), there remain reports of budget-related limitations affecting service delivery.

Veterans have expressed willingness to pay out-of-pocket for continued local treatment—contrary to the intent behind the MISSION Act meant to ensure accessible healthcare without financial burden on them.

The senators concluded by urging Secretary McDonough to reject Red Team recommendations promptly and reinforce policies supporting veterans’ rights to seek community-based healthcare solutions.