IAVA Launches Initiative to Transform VA Healthcare for Veterans

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has launched a new initiative aimed at modernizing the healthcare system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This effort, spearheaded by a blue-ribbon commission, seeks to enhance care for a new generation of veterans by addressing critical issues such as toxic exposure, opioid-free pain management, and the modernization of data and care coordination.

Dr. David Shulkin, a former Secretary of the VA and current board member of IAVA, will chair the commission. As the recruitment process for this group continues, it will include experts from outside IAVA and representatives from other veterans’ service organizations. The ultimate goal is to present a comprehensive set of recommendations to Congress designed to enhance VA healthcare services.

During a recent news conference, Chairman Mike Bost emphasized the urgency of advancing VA healthcare to ensure veterans receive the “best, modern care that meets their individual healthcare needs.” He highlighted that approximately 1.75 million veterans currently rely on Medicaid, with hundreds of thousands dependent on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. With significant changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements set for January 2024, Shulkin warned that an estimated 200,000 veterans could lose their health insurance coverage.

Shulkin stressed the importance of the VA as a safety net for these veterans, stating, “The VA is going to become increasingly important to honor our commitment to our country’s veterans.” As more veterans may turn to the VA for healthcare, Shulkin and IAVA are committed to ensuring they receive appropriate and modern care.

“The healthcare system is changing unbelievably rapidly,” Shulkin noted, pointing to advancements in technology and therapies. He emphasized that if the VA does not adapt to these changes, it risks becoming less competitive. “We want the VA to be a vital modern system for decades to come,” he added.

One of the initiative’s primary objectives is to make the VA the first healthcare system in the country to implement an opioid-free approach to pain management. The commission will also prioritize addressing toxic exposure, particularly for veterans who served near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has been linked to long-term health issues, including various cancers. Shulkin called for more VA facilities to become centers of excellence for those affected by toxic exposure, highlighting the need for improved care in this area.

“This has been a priority for a long time,” Shulkin acknowledged. “We’re simply not making the progress that all of us want to see. It’s not due to a lack of effort or funding; the brain is complicated, and this is a tough issue.”

The commission plans to explore ways to increase VA data transparency, enhance the community care network, and improve payment systems. Shulkin expressed concern about the potential for creating two standards of care: one integrated within the VA and another in the community, where veterans might face fragmented services. “We know that veterans want access to community care, but we are worried about the safety nets that may be lost,” he warned.

Ultimately, Shulkin indicated that the needs of veterans will drive the modernization project, ensuring that the VA remains a vital resource for those who have served. The IAVA’s initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of veterans, aiming for a system that is both modern and responsive to their unique challenges.