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Correspondence from Senator Ensign |
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Written by Steve Sanson
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Monday, 07 January 2008 |
Mr. Steve, W Sanson
PO BOX 28211
Las Vegas, Nevada 89126
Dear Mr. Sanson:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the Veteran's Healthcare Empowerment Act of 2007. I value the opinion of every Nevadan and am always grateful to those who take the time to inform me of their views.
I have long advocated for innovative ways to simplify and improve our veteran's healthcare system. The Veteran's Healthcare Empowerment Act appears to do just that. Under this bill, if you are a veteran and have a service-connected disability you can go to any provider or facility that is Medicare or Tricare eligible to receive medical care.
As you may know, there are approximately 2.5 million veterans with service-connected disabilities, and approximately 1.7 million of these currently use the VA healthcare system. I am a firm believer that the VA health care system is top notch, and that given the choice most will choose to stay within the system. However, there will be some who either because of convenience or personal preference will choose to obtain their healthcare outside the system. This may be especially true of our rural veterans.
In light of the recent trouble uncovered at Walter Reed Army Hospital, we need to take the opportunity to evaluate our veteran's healthcare system from top to bottom. This includes simplifying the VA and Department of Defense disability rating systems, facilitating the transition between the two complicated systems, determining whether we can come up with a uniform rating system, and eliminating the excess bureaucracy that exists. As the President has stated, "This country has a moral obligation to provide our servicemen and -women with the best possible care and treatment. They deserve it, and they will get it."
I will certainly look into the merits of the Veteran's Healthcare Empowerment Act. I need to ensure that there will be no unintended consequences before giving this approach my unqualified support. I'd also like a better understanding of the projected affect of this bill on the future strength of the VA healthcare system.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am committed to ensuring that our nation's veterans are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Please rest assured that I will keep your concerns, and the concerns of all Nevadans, in mind. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future on matters of importance to you. Should you have any other questions or comments or would like to sign up for my monthly newsletter, please do not hesitate to either write or e-mail me via my website at <a href="http://ensign.senate.gov/">http://ensign.senate.gov</a>.
Sincerely,
JOHN ENSIGN
United States Senator
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Last Updated ( Friday, 11 January 2008 )
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