“Although these new standards represent an important win for America’s veterans, they will not be without controversy. Some will claim falsely and predictably that they represent a first step toward privatizing the department,” Mr. Wilkie said in a statement obtained by Stars and Stripes.
The push toward privatization is part of a major reform bill called the VA Mission Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law last year. The VA Mission Act aims to provide veterans with more choice as to where they can go for care. The new rules are expected to be finalized in March before the new community care program is established in June, the report states.
It is unclear exactly when the department will release the new rules regarding privatization.
The VA Mission Act is meant to replace the previous Veterans Choice Program, which was created in response to the VA wait-time scandal in 2014. Lawmakers sought to soften the privatization rules outlined under the Veterans Choice Program, as they only allowed veterans to receive private-sector care in specific situations.
To access the full report, click here.
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