I like the work previously done on VA Community Care however it was left unfinished. The VA likes to brag about wait times with comparison charts, however, I can assure you that I can get in anywhere faster than what there charts say if only it didn’t take 2-5 months to get a referral to the doctor of my choice.
For example I currently have a hip issue causing severe pain and discomfort. I have been dealing with it for nearly 2 years. I have been back and forth between doctors and some have quit taking VA Community Care. Every time I need to see another doctor I have to get a referral from my VA doctor. Then after he does his thing it sits on a desk for 1-14 days before I receive a call to schedule an appointment with the VA or I can decide then to use community care. I’m 2 hours away from a VA facility that can do anything but general practice so I always choose community care. So then it sits on a desk for 2-5 months before I receive a call to get my referral to the doctor of my choice. Then half the time the referral is faxed to the wrong number and I have to get on the phone again. Once I finally get the referral to the facility I can see most doctors within 1-4 weeks.
I am a 100% disabled Vet and I would suggest allowing these particular veterans to be a part of ChampVA. My spouse and son our both on this and it is very similar to private health insurance. Also, alternatively make TriCare an option.