IAVA Unveils Major Initiative to Transform VA Healthcare for Veterans

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has launched a significant initiative aimed at modernizing the healthcare system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This effort, led by a blue-ribbon commission, seeks to enhance care for a new generation of veterans. Key areas of focus include addressing toxic exposure, promoting opioid-free pain management, and improving data transparency and care coordination.

Dr. David Shulkin, a former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and current IAVA board member, will chair the commission. IAVA’s Vice President of External Affairs, Lou Elliott-Cysewski, emphasized that recruitment for the commission is ongoing, with plans to include experts from outside IAVA as well as representatives from other veterans’ service organizations. The ultimate goal is to present a comprehensive set of recommendations to Congress aimed at improving VA healthcare.

During a recent news conference, Shulkin highlighted the urgency of this initiative, noting that approximately 1.75 million veterans currently rely on Medicaid. He pointed out that many will face significant changes in their healthcare coverage starting in January 2024, which could potentially leave up to 200,000 veterans uninsured. “Where are they going to go for their health insurance? The VA. And so, the VA is going to become increasingly important to honor our commitment to our country’s veterans,” Shulkin stated.

Shulkin underscored the need for the VA to modernize in order to remain competitive and provide quality care. “The healthcare system is changing unbelievably rapidly,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies and therapies, including artificial intelligence. “If the VA itself doesn’t modernize and change with the changing needs, it’s going to become a system that’s less competitive,” he added.

The initiative aims to position the VA as a leader in healthcare innovation. Shulkin expressed a vision for the VA to become the first healthcare system in the country to implement an opioid-free approach to pain management. Additionally, the commission will focus on addressing the health impacts of toxic exposure, an issue that has significantly affected veterans who served near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Toxic exposure during their service has been blamed for illnesses, including cancers, that might not show up for years down the line,” he noted.

To ensure that veterans receive the care they need, Shulkin called for more VA locations to become centers of excellence for those affected by toxic exposure. He acknowledged that while progress has been slow, it is not due to a lack of effort or funding. “Congress has been very, very generous with their funds. The brain is complicated. This is a tough issue,” he explained.

The commission will also examine ways to enhance VA data transparency, the community care network, and payment systems. Shulkin expressed concern over the potential for two standards of care to emerge, where veterans may not receive the same level of coordinated care when seeking services in the community compared to within the VA system. “Care can be fragmented, care can be lost in the community,” he warned.

Ultimately, the modernization project will be driven by the needs of veterans, ensuring that their voices are heard and prioritized in the process. Shulkin concluded, “We want to see the VA become the best it can be for our veterans, ensuring they receive modern, effective care that truly meets their individual healthcare needs.”