Bill Overview
Title: Improving Oversight of the Veterans Community Care Providers Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Veterans Health Administration to carry out a plan to improve the methods by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) identifies health care providers that are not eligible to participate in the Veterans Community Care Program. The VA must certify to Congress it has implemented the plan not later than 270 days after the enactment of this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. Veteran community participating in the Veterans Community Care Program
Estimated Size: 9000000
- The bill affects health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program who are located in the USA as it mandates an improvement in the identification of eligible providers.
- The primary population affected are veterans who are participants in the Veterans Community Care Program and rely on these providers for health services.
- There are about 19 million veterans in the United States of which approximately 9 million are enrolled in the VA Healthcare System.
- Veterans who use the VA Healthcare system might opt for community care if they face difficulties accessing a VA facility or need services not provided by VA facilities.
- The global population affected is predominantly based in the U.S. as the VA is a U.S. institution and provides services to U.S. veterans.
Reasoning
- The participants in these interviews are a mix of veterans and healthcare providers participating or eligible to participate in the Veterans Community Care Program.
- A significant segment of the U.S. veteran population is targeted by this policy. However, the effect on each individual will vary.
- The policy attempts to ensure cleaner oversight and better provider eligibility, potentially improving care quality for veterans.
- A budget of $50 million in the first year suggests limited initial impact due to cost constraints relative to the scope of the problem.
- The improvement in identifying eligible providers aims to prevent misuse and improve healthcare quality within the constraints of the existing system.
- Wellbeing measures (Cantril scores) can reflect aspects such as access to care, perceived care quality, and reliability of the healthcare system.
- Each interview reflects the diversity within the veteran community such as age, location, and health status.
Simulated Interviews
Veteran, unemployed (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often struggle to find the right providers within the community care program.
- If this policy helps improve provider quality, it could significantly reduce my stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Community Care Provider (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved oversight is needed, but I am concerned about how it will be implemented.
- If it's executed well, it could streamline my workload significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran, retired (Rural Alabama)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often find myself traveling far for competent healthcare.
- This policy should prioritize provider competence and availability in rural areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Veteran, part-time worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Consistent quality is lacking among providers.
- Better provider oversight is crucial for someone with chronic needs like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Veteran, student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More accountability for providers could make the system more predictable.
- I appreciate any improvement in care standards while I focus on my studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran, retired physician (New York, NY)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Effective oversight is long overdue.
- I hope this policy acknowledges the effort current providers put in.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veteran advocate (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy must be transparent and actively engage veteran voices.
- Proper implementation can alleviate systemic issues veterans face.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Community Care Provider (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could lead to more paperwork, which worries me.
- On the other hand, improving standards is always positive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Veteran, retired teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reliable provider access can make my golden years more comfortable.
- The current system needs an overhaul for effective care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Veteran, business owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could reduce stress, knowing provider standards are improving.
- It's essential for continuity of care while managing a business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 5: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $45000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Potential administrative challenges in implementing the enhanced oversight process on a national scale.
- Determination of ineligible providers based on robust criteria to avoid unintended disenrollment of eligible providers.
- Technology investment is crucial for effective oversight and data management.