CHICAGO – Improved access to health care and higher quality care for veterans throughout Chicago, Wisconsin and Michigan moved closer to reality today when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) began evaluating nine options for the delivery of health care in the region.
The options, developed by Booz-Allen & Hamilton, a national consulting firm experienced in health care management, are part of a VA study known as CARES, or “Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services.” CARES is a detailed process that will allow VA to align facilities and other resources so that veterans have improved access to quality health care today and in the future.
“We anticipate that CARES will bring more care to more veterans at more locations,” said Kathryn S. Maginnis, CARES program manager. “CARES will ensure that veterans get better access, more efficient programs and improved services.”
The greater Chicago-Michigan-Wisconsin area is the first region to undergo the CARES process, which VA plans to apply across the country. VA operates more than 1,300 hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other “sites of care” which employ about 185,000 health care workers and treat nearly 4 million patients.
Today’s announcement marks the start of an intensive review of the options. VA officials encourage input from veterans and their families, veterans’ service organizations, Congress, affiliated universities, VA employees and other interested parties. The final decision is expected in early fall.
In developing the options, Booz-Allen & Hamilton analyzed the health care needs of veterans throughout the region. The firm also worked with an actuary to project future needs. From this objective data, they identified options for restructuring VA’s health care and services. The health care options take into account the age, medical conditions and other special characteristics and needs of local veterans.
“Savings that come from CARES will be directed back into care for local veterans,” said Maginnis. “This will enhance outpatient care, inpatient care, long-term care and care for special disabilities such as blind rehabilitation and spinal cord injury.”
More than a million veterans eligible for VA services live in Chicago and surrounding counties.
Details about the latest VA study – along with information about filing comments – can be obtained from VA’s Internet home page, http://www.va.gov/CARES.
Comments on CARES should be sent to vhacocares@hq.med.va.gov. Comments can also be mailed to: Director, CARES Program (10AC), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20420.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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