I’ll provide more specific information at a later point, however, President Obama signed into law the Senate bill revising and amending inter alia aspects of veteran access to health coverage through the Veterans Health Care Administration (VHA). More information can be found at Fox News Article and the major changes are as followings:
—Devotes $5 billion to hire more doctors, nurses and other medical and mental health professionals.
—Additional funding and support for health care access through the private sector (more to follow on how this will be implemented).
—Authorizes $1.3 billion to open 27 new VA outpatient clinics and other medical facilities in 18 states and Puerto Rico.
—Gives the VA secretary authority to fire immediately poor-performing senior executives. They would have seven days to appeal, with a final resolution 21 days later.
—Expands a scholarship program for children of veterans killed in the line of duty to include surviving spouses.
—Allows all returning veterans and eligible dependents to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
—Cuts funding for annual bonuses for VA employees to $360 million, $40 million less than last year.