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I am a 71 year old, 100 percent totally and permanently disabled veteran. I would like to draw your attention to an issue of grave concern for veterans such as me. There are four bills that are up for debate now in Congress. These are the “Veterans Health Care Freedom Act” (H.R. 3176), the “Complete the Mission Act” (H.R. 10267), the “Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act” (H.R. 5287), and the “Veterans True Choice Act” (H.R. 214). They all purport to address ”healthcare freedom.” I believe their primary intent, though, is to privatize veterans healthcare, not to care for or about veterans.
Unlike the private sector, the VA Healthcare System’s form of delivery addresses physical and psychological needs that are more often than not unique to the population they serve. Because they are not profit driven, they are able to spend the time that is necessary with each patient. The focus is on care rather than the “bottom line.” The importance of this cannot be overstated. The emotional and mental impact alone that will result if these bills move forward will be devastating.
I urge you to contact your senators and congressional representatives and demand that these dangerous bills not be allowed to move forward.
Dana Williams
Belfast
