Veterans need to know how to access services

The recent revelations over wait times at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have severely shaken the trust that veterans, their families and the general public should have in the VA health system. Last week, a VA audit disclosed a 145-day wait for new patient primary care appointments at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center in Hawaii.

This is unacceptable. Those who have served our country so selflessly deserve so much better. But this is also, in many ways, not a new problem. We recognize that while the return of our servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan has put an enormous strain on the VA system, we must do right by our veterans.

Last week, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that improves accountability at the VA, expands access to care, and invests in the health professionals we need to ensure quality care. However, as I’ve learned serving on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, fixing the VA is no easy task. Problems at the VA have existed for years and the only way we will effect long-term change is by working together.

That’s why I’m putting together a veterans’ action plan to guide my efforts and gain results. My plan focuses on three areas. First, ensure that veterans are aware of and receive access to VA health care and other services that the VA provides. Second, Congress must provide sufficient resources, effective oversight, and ensure accountability for the VA. Third, improve the transition from military service to civilian life.

To improve access, veterans must receive information on their benefits and what services are available to them. My website now has a portal with veterans’ resources which include island-specific health care information. In addition, the Senate bill passed this week gives patients more provider options, expedites the hiring of VA medical professionals, and authorizes leases for new medical facilities, including the Leeward Oahu VA Outpatient Healthcare Access Center.

I’ve also introduced a bipartisan bill that will help veterans access emergency care that is fully paid for and supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

In addition to access to care and services, we must maintain real oversight of the VA. I have asked the VA Inspector General — an independent watchdog — to conduct a comprehensive review and verify the accuracy of wait time data for all Hawaii-based VA medical clinics and centers. I look forward to reviewing the results.

For many veterans, returning to civilian life is often challenging. We must put in place long-term solutions to support their transition back to civilian life. I’ve supported the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the VOW to Hire Heroes Act — laws that improve access to education and jobs for veterans. I also authored a provision in this year’s defense bill that, if enacted, will improve educational information for those transitioning from active duty to civilian life.

Our veterans are counting on us to work together to restore their trust and keep our commitments to them.

Visit Sen. Hirono’s Veteran’s Resources webpage here.