Implement the MISSION Act

IAVA's Policy Agenda for the 117th Congress

Current Policy Priorities

IAVA has recommended specific policy priorities to address the issues that matter most to post-9/11 veterans.

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Modernize Government to Support Today’s Veterans

GET UP TO SPEED ON MODERNIZING GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT TODAY’S VETERANS

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WHAT IS IAVA’S PLAN?

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Modernize Government to Support Today’s Veterans

In recent years, VA has made incredible strides to modernize its internal and external operating systems. The implementation of new interoperable electronic health records is underway, allowing VA and DoD clinicians to share health data, ensuring continuity of care for transitioning servicemembers. Additionally, VA has updated its website to be more interactive and intuitive, allowing veterans to quickly find the information they need. These are major accomplishments and a system slowly but surely moving to the 21st century is a win for all veterans.

Each generation of veterans, including the post-9/11 generation, rely on VA for both health care and benefits, and an agile system capable of accommodating them is critical. About 49% of all veterans are enrolled in VA health care. Among IAVA member survey respondents, 84% are enrolled in VA health care, of whom, 85% rated their experience at VA as average or above average. IAVA members have been clear that access to VA care can be challenging, but once in the system, they are satisfied with their treatment. Further independent reviews of VA health care show that the quality often exceeds the private sector.

Providing today’s veterans with a system willing to adapt to them will take the full coordination of the executive branch, Congress, state and local government, and stakeholders in the private and nonprofit sectors. We need a system that leverages the use of new technologies to streamline processes and enables the VA to take a more dynamic approach to respond to the needs of today’s veterans. Even so, the best technology will not save a system if it is built upon outdated structures. The VA must connect its internal departments and work with DoD to streamline services.

IAVA's Approach

Properly Implement the VA Community Care Network (MISSION Act)

GET UP TO SPEED ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MISSION ACT

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WHAT IS IAVA’S PLAN?

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Proper Implementation of the VA Community Care Network (MISSION Act)

2020 brought unforeseen challenges to both VA and private health care systems with the outbreak of a global pandemic. Through all of this, the VA provides a model of care that is uniquely positioned to treat the physical, psychological, and social aspects of a veteran’s health. While VA can benefit from the private sector, it cannot be replaced. The best solution for veterans is a patient centered integrated network of care that uses the expertise of the private sector when needed. Talk of privatizing the VA system is extremely unpopular among veterans. In fact, data suggests that when given a choice, veterans choose VA care over non-VA care. IAVA members overwhelmingly want to see a better VA, not a dismantled one. Numerous studies have shown that the private sector lacks the cultural competency and familiarity with the invisible wounds of war needed to effectively treat veterans. The risk of rolling the dice in a time of growing change and need is just too great.

In part due to IAVA’s advocacy, Congress passed the VA MISSION Act into law in 2018 and changed the future of veteran health care. In an attempt to alleviate long waitlists for VA care, this legislation created a new Community Care Network (CCN). For years, IAVA advocated for the consolidation of VA’s community care programs. With that vision now realized, monitoring and assisting with its implementation is critical.

IAVA's Recommendations

  • Ensure foundational services are provided at every VAMC where possible and adequate community care providers are available where not
  • Increase transparency with veterans, the VSO community and all stakeholders regarding VA MISSION Act implementation strategies, standards, and challenges
  • Ensure the VA has adequate resources and support to deliver VA MISSION Act regulations on time and ensure timely roll out of its programs
  • Ensure community providers are trained and adequately held to the same competency and quality standards in place for VA providers
  • Effectively track medications prescribed through the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) to eliminate potential overdose, dangerous drug combinations, and doctor shopping

IAVA's Policy Priorities

Select a topic from the list below to learn about IAVA’s policy recommendations for the 117th Congress.