“With just a few weeks to go before its June 6 launch, lawmakers, providers, and advocates are wary about the Veterans Affairs Department’s ability to roll out an expanded private-care program for veterans on schedule without experiencing major glitches like the last time…”
“The VA selected Optum Public Sector Solutions as the third-party administrator for three regions, though that selection is being contested, while contractors for three other regions haven’t yet been selected…”
“There also are concerns about whether the private providers in the new third-party administrators’ networks will be held to the same standards of quality and levels of familiarity with veterans’ health issues that VA providers must meet…”
“Experts question whether the VA has underestimated the number of patients who will take advantage of the broader eligibility rules to seek care outside VA facilities, draining dollars needed to keep the huge veterans’ healthcare system strong…” Read the full article here.
Source: Worries mount as VA races to launch private-care program in June – By Harris Meyer, April 27, 2019. Modern Healthcare.
