While the House is already trying to lay cuts down the VA seeks the real needs, but much more is and has been needed!!
WASHINGTON – February 14, 2011 - In announcing the proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the next fiscal year, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki emphasized “making every dollar” count in the $132 billion budget proposal for VA.
“We will continue to wisely use the funds that Congress appropriates for us to further improve the quality of life for Veterans and their families through the efficiency of our operations,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki
“In the current constrained fiscal environment, every dollar counts,” Shinseki added. “We have put into place management systems and initiatives to maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and to eliminate waste.”
The budget request for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 must be approved by Congress before taking effect.
Health Care
The budget request seeks nearly $51 billion for medical care. It would provide care to more than 6.2 million patients, including nearly 540,000 Veterans of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The budget request also includes almost $1 billion for a contingency fund and $1.2 billion of operational improvements to manage the appropriated funds in a fiscally responsible manner.
Major health care provisions include:
· $6.2 billion for mental health programs, including $68 million directly for suicide prevention;
· $344 million to activate newly constructed medical facilities;
· $208 million to implement new benefits for Veterans’ caregivers;
· Nearly $509 million for research; and
Shinseki noted the department has created “a portfolio of initiatives” to improve the quality of VA care while making it easier for patients to access services. Primary care providers will put more emphasis upon disease prevention and healthy living. New technology – securing e-mails, social networking and telehealth – will be harnessed to meet the evolving needs of patients.
For example, in 2010, a daily average of more than 31,000 patients took advantage of VA’s telehome health care. The budget proposal will allow more than 50,000 people daily to use this innovative, at-home care.
Among the department’s operational improvements is a provision that calls for VA to implement Medicare’s standard payment rates, a measure that will free $315 million for other health care needs.
Benefits {continued}
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