Martha Roby: Strides taken at VA, but long road remains
This past week marked one year since the director of the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) was removed from his post when a pattern of gross mismanagement and systemic malfeasance was exposed. Weeks later he would become the first VA official in the country fired under our new VA accountability law. Deputy VA Secretary Sloan Gibson visited CAVHCS at my request for an update on progress made over the past year to improve what have been some of the worst VA medical centers in the country. I wanted him to see that, while some strides have been made to fix this broken system, major issues still remain. We had a productive meeting, and I appreciate how responsive Mr. Gibson and Southeast Regional Director Tom Smith have been to my concerns. One of the biggest contributors to the long wait times at CAVHCS has been the serious shortage of medical staff. There wasn’t a funding issue, but rather a management and human resources breakdown. Recently, steps have been taken to hire more doctors, nurses and medical support staff, which is certainly promising. But, as I told Mr. Gibson, we need that to start translating into better access to care. The fact is we still have more than 4,000 veteran patients who have waited longer than 90 days without an appointment. That’s unacceptable, and I’m going to keep pushing VA leaders to improve until we make this right. One issue we discussed at length was repairing CAVHCS’ relationships with local hospitals and other health providers. Why is that important? Well, the vast majority of that 4,000 number I mentioned comes from those who have been referred to outside physicians but are awaiting appointments. I believe the future of veterans health care will rely less on actual VA facilities and more on partnerships with outside medical providers for services. We have amazing doctors, hospitals and other providers in Alabama that are eager to play a larger role in caring for vets, and the money is there to do it. The problem is CAVHCS has had trouble in the past keeping up with payments on contracts, so many local providers are naturally hesitant. Mr. Gibson and Mr. Smith expressed great interest in working with me to bridge that gap and build a network within Alabama’s medical community that will improve access and enhance care for veterans. Above all, we badly need a permanent director at the Central Alabama VA who is both empowered and driven to make the necessary changes. After a year, it looks like we are close to having that person. I will keep you updated on these developments as we move forward. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is currently serving her third term.
Central Alabama VA freezes hiring due to national $2.6 billion shortfall
The Central Alabama Veterans Affairs hospital system has stopped hiring medical support staff to cope with a $2.6 billion budget shortfall nationally. The Montgomery Advertiser reports the hiring freeze in the Central Alabama system affects human resources personnel and customer service workers. It does not affect doctors, nurses or other health care service providers. The medical support and compliance portion of the system’s budget will be $5 million short for the remaining three-and-a-half months of the fiscal year, according to a bulletin to CAVHCS employees from interim director Robin Jackson. However, the hiring freeze will not affect staffers tasked with helping veterans schedule their medical appointments, VA spokesman Amir Farooqi said. The budget shortfall and hiring freeze caught the attention of Congressional leaders who have pressed the VA to reduce waiting times for veterans seeking treatment. “There’s not a funding problem, there’s a gross mismanagement problem,” said Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery. Sloan Gibson, the deputy secretary of the VA, said the $2.6 billion shortfall is due in part to increased demand from veterans seeking care. “As we are improving veterans’ access to care across VA, veterans are responding and seeking VA care at higher rates,” Gibson told the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee this week. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Martha Roby: One year later, more improvement needed at VA
An important part of my job in Congress is making sure national Veterans Affairs leaders pay attention to Alabama and remain focused on improving the health care system our veterans depend on. That’s why this week I spoke from the House Floor to mark one year since former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned amid scandal, and to draw attention to the many problems still persisting at the Central Alabama VA. Despite new legal tools and resources, we have not seen sufficient improvement in access to patient care. We haven’t seen it nationally, and we certainly haven’t seen it in Central Alabama. In fact, VA medical centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee were recently identified as worst and second worst in the nation for extended delays in patient appointment completions. A Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System workload report at the end of April showed that more than 6,500 consults over 90 days were still pending, including more than half awaiting approval for non-VA care services. I believe one reason for this lack of progress is that Washington has demonstrated a somewhat short attention span when it comes to fixing these problems. We got their attention last year. Working with whistleblowers and the press, we were able to expose major instances of misconduct, negligence and cover-up within the system. The wait-list manipulation scheme, the missing X-rays, the falsified patient records, the crack house incident – all these major exposures could not be ignored by top VA leaders in Washington. A lot of nice promises were made to improve Central Alabama, but since our problems left the front page, VA’s follow-up has been insufficient. Maybe that’s because we are depending on a broken bureaucracy to fix itself. Maybe it’s because we have been asking for VA leaders to intervene at this troubled system, rather than requiring them to. Maybe it’s time to change that, and I have an idea. When a public school continues to fail to meet basic standards, what happens? The state department of education steps in to takeover and takes charge of turning the place around. The process isn’t pleasant, but everyone from principals and teachers to students and parents understand the consequences of failure to improve. We need a similar mechanism at the VA when medical centers continually fail our veterans. That’s why I am preparing legislation that would compel national VA leaders to step in to take over perpetually failing systems and make the Secretary of Veterans Affairs squarely accountable for making sure troubled systems like Central Alabama get the attention they need. The bill is still in development, and I’ll update you on the latest as we proceed. One way or another, we are going to get their attention again. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is in her third term.
Memorial Day weekend events happening across Alabama
On Memorial Day, May 25, Americans will honor and remember all of those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In recognition of the holiday’s rich history, Alabama Today put together a list of Memorial Day weekend events occurring across the state: Auburn Bluegrass On The Plains Monday, May 25 6 p.m. Price: tickets start $15 online, $20 at the gate Featuring a long list of performers, arts and crafts, horse-and-carriage rides, along with food and music vendors. For information visit: www.bluegrassontheplains.com. Birmingham Honoring Those Who Have Served Our Country Sunday, May 24 3 p.m. Price: Free The Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Vulcan District Boy Scouts will honor veterans in the annual Remembrance Ceremony. The Foundation will dedicate StepStones to more than 30 veterans, living and deceased and from many states. Come early to view the Blue Star Salute Foundation’s Memorial Exhibit, “Faces of the Price of Freedom” which shows the faces of Alabama’s fallen heroes since the Sept. 11 terrorist attack. For information visit: www.alabamaveterans.org. Decatur Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, May 24 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Price: Free One of the largest free balloon gatherings in the Southeast, featuring more than 60 balloons, balloon races, kite flying, musical entertainment, a car show, food and a children’s area. For information visit: www.alabamajubilee.net. Gulf Shores Memorial Day Tribute Saturday, May 23 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Price: Adults $7.00, Seniors (65 and older) $5.00, Child (ages 6-12) $4.00 Historical interpreters dressed in U.S. Army uniforms from different eras of the forts’ occupation will conduct special guided tours throughout the day. For more information visit: www.fort-morgan.org. Huntsville North Alabama “Down Home” Soul & Blues Festival Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, May 24 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Price: Tickets start at $75 For information visit: here. Montevallo Alabama National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25 9 a.m. Price: Free Memorial Day observance will include a wreath-laying presentation and cannon salute. For more information visit: www.scalnc.org. A Salute to Our Veterans Monday, May 25 10 a.m. opening; special ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Price: Free A full day of activities planned, including historical vignettes, musical salutes, re-enactments, games, ceremonies, a Gold Star Salute to the Fallen, and a wreath laying at the Veterans Shrine. For more information visit: here. Montgomery Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Jubilee Pops Concert Friday, May 22 7 p.m. Price: Free Pack your picnic basket and cooler and get ready to kick-off Memorial Day weekend on the lawn of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For information visit: www.montgomerysymphony.org. Tuscaloosa Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Price: Free Presented by the Veterans Memorial Park Association at the Veterans Memorial Park. For information visit www.tuscaloosaveteranspark.org. Have an event you’d like included? Email us here.
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
Tuscaloosa Veterans greeted by Richard Shelby during Honor Flight to D.C.
Veterans of World War II and the Korean War arriving in Washington, D.C., via the Honor Flight from Tuscaloosa were greeted by a familiar face. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby met them at the World War II Memorial on Wednesday “Today, I had the honor of meeting with and paying tribute to World War II and Korean War veterans from Tuscaloosa participating in their Honor Flight,” Shelby said. “This experience was both humbling and exciting, as these Alabama veterans had the opportunity to view the national memorials dedicated to their selfless service to our country. The valor and patriotism of our service members must never be forgotten nor taken for granted.” The Honor Flight helps veterans from across the country visit Washington, D.C., to see the memorials built in their honor. Flights are funded by donations from organizations and individuals. This particular trip was funded by the the Tuscaloosa Rotary Club, which has previously taken 423 veterans to the nation’s capital.
Lawmakers keep VA failures front and center
As a recent spate of news about neglect and fraud in the federal Department of Veterans Affairs continues to develop, a handful of Alabama Congressional delegates are continuing to keep VA issues on the front burner. “I am outraged that our veterans are still being made to wait for medical care,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell recently told Alabama Today. “Providing high-quality care and benefits to our nation’s veterans is one of our most fundamental obligations, and we must do more to live up to that promise. I proudly sponsored the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, which President Obama signed into law. “This new law has helped VA medical centers across the country hire more physicians and enabled some veterans to seek private care, yet problems still persist at underperforming facilities like the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama. “We heard more than enough excuses. Our nation’s heroes should not be made to wait for quality care, and to ask them to do so violates our core principles. We need a permanent director who is ready – and willing – to do more for our veterans.” Congressman Bradley Byrne has also taken action to rectify much longer than average wait times at the Central Alabama VA. He recently introduced legislation that would create a new clinic in Mobile to ease the long backlogs currently on the books at VA providers, but has also said the problems run deep and deserve a thorough remediation at the administrative level. “Our veterans have waited far too long for a new VA clinic in Mobile, and it is past time the VA moves the process forward,” Byrne said in a prepared statement last week. “The current Mobile clinic is outdated and too small to adequately meet the needs of our area’s veterans. Years ago the VA committed to the construction of a new clinic in Mobile, but bureaucratic obstacles continue to hold the process up.” Sen. Richard Shelby also spoke with Alabama Today on the matter, indicating that VA scrutiny is a concern in the upper chamber of Congress as well. “It is extremely disappointing and unacceptable that long wait times continue to plague the Central Alabama VA,” said Shelby in a statement special to Alabama Today. “Our veterans in Alabama and across the country deserve better, which is why I will continue to press the VA to correct these issues and fight to ensure that our veterans receive timely and effective health care services.” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Calhoun County in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District is working on the issue from his position on the coveted House Armed Services Committee. He says he is displeased to say the least about the way Alabama vets are receiving short shrift from those whose job is to serve them. “The mistreatment at these VA facilities, including in Alabama, of our men and women who have served our country in uniform is unconscionable to me,” told Alabama Today. “Our Veterans deserve the very best at these facilities and I hope these wrongs will be made right.” Last week we chronicled U.S. Rep. Martha Roby‘s efforts on VA care access. She was one of the first high-ranking Alabama officials to speak with whistleblower Richard Tremaine, who recently testified before Congress about a years-long pattern of cover ups and denial of responsibility on the part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System where he is associate director. “That culture has festered at Central Alabama for years,” Roby said. “It has carried over through multiple directors, and it isn’t going to change until Secretary McDonald gets serious and puts leadership in place that will clean house. “We need a permanent system director who is empowered and willing to change the lousy culture and turn the place around. I’ll take that message back to Washington … where improving care for veterans remains my top priority.”
