McCain calls for VA to end "routine" healthcare and treat combat wounds only

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

"We have got to spend more effort and devote more time to the treatment of the battle wounds both seen and unseen," McCain said, appearing via satellite at National Forum on Disability Issues. “I believe we need to relieve the burden on the VA from routine health care, put more of our assets in the unique capabilities of the VA for the treatment of combat wounds, both seen and unseen."

...

"If you have a routine health care need, take it wherever you want, whatever doctor or health care provider and get the treatment you need, while we at the VA focus our attention, our care, our love, on these grievous wounds of war," he said.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/07/26/po...ry4297032.shtml

Commentary from VA Watchdog.org:

There are lots of people trying to figure out what McCain means by this.

He wants the VA to get out of the business of "routine" healthcare and just treat "combat wounds."

This would mean that non-combat, service-connected conditions wouldn't be treated by the VA. This would mean that there would be no preventive medicine practiced at the VA.

A number of journalists have asked the McCain campaign for a clarification, but none has been offered at this time.

If McCain is being straight-up about this proposal, it would mean the end of the VA.

[MrsCat 6]

Honestly, that's not how I read that statement. It seems that he's saying VA is in a unique situation to fully comprehend the nature of psychiatric and physical care required by persons who've been injured in combat. The same time, I think he's suggesting that VA would pay for "regular care" (check-ups, non-specific back pain) through other service providers. That's how I read it anyways. And it seems reasonable if that's the case. Maybe I'm missing something.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Honestly, that's not how I read that statement. It seems that he's saying VA is in a unique situation to fully comprehend the nature of psychiatric and physical care required by persons who've been injured in combat. The same time, I think he's suggesting that VA would pay for "regular care" (check-ups, non-specific back pain) through other service providers. That's how I read it anyways. And it seems reasonable if that's the case. Maybe I'm missing something.

Well, he's not saying he expects the VA to pay for routine care. Maybe he means it though. I am sure a clarification will be forthcoming.

[MrsCat 6]

Honestly, that's not how I read that statement. It seems that he's saying VA is in a unique situation to fully comprehend the nature of psychiatric and physical care required by persons who've been injured in combat. The same time, I think he's suggesting that VA would pay for "regular care" (check-ups, non-specific back pain) through other service providers. That's how I read it anyways. And it seems reasonable if that's the case. Maybe I'm missing something.

Well, he's not saying he expects the VA to pay for routine care. Maybe he means it though. I am sure a clarification will be forthcoming.

True - that's politics for ya. He's too scared to have an actual position at this point.