Tim Sheehy on VA Obstruction and Improving Veteran Healthcare Access

VA Budget vs. Veteran Care Outcomes

• 📊 Despite a 70% increase in VA budget and a 28% rise in employee headcounts over the last 5 years, veteran suicide rates and patient wait times have increased.
• 📉 The veteran population has decreased by over 9% while care quality and delivery ability are reportedly decreasing.
• ⚠️ The electronic health records contract is over a decade behind schedule and billions over budget.

Barriers to Community Care Access

• 🎯 Veterans in rural areas, like Montana, face significant challenges accessing timely mental health care due to long wait times for VA appointments.
• 🚧 There has been intentional obstruction from within the VA to prevent veterans from accessing existing community care options.
• 🏥 The assumption that the VA can build clinics close enough to every veteran is unrealistic, necessitating access to community care.

The Need for Change in Veteran Care Model

• 🚀 Acknowledging that changing a massive organization like the VA is difficult and will involve mistakes, a change in the veteran care model is essential.
• 💡 The current administration is making efforts to change the trajectory of veteran care, which is supported despite potential opposition.

Improving Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

• 🎓 The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) needs to be emphasized earlier in the transition process, with commanders ensuring troops attend.
• 🤝 If confirmed, there's a commitment to review TAP from top to bottom, collaborating with the DoD and VA to improve the process.
• 💼 The goal is to ensure veterans and their families find good-paying jobs that provide fulfillment and financial stability upon leaving the military.