Phoenix Plan to expand service, choice for veterans worthy of backing

Letter to the Editor Regarding McCain Veteran Care Plan

I was pleased to see Sen. John McCain continue the charge in healing the ailing VA health-care system. The legislation he spearheaded in 2014 was an important start, but more needs to be done.

The senator’s town hall announcement on Monday describes a plan that bypasses the bureaucratic obstacles and provides much needed immediate relief. Advocating common sense changes like extended clinic and pharmacy hours and offering physician choice begins to put the VA on a par with modern health-care systems where patients with employerbased or Obamacare plans are seen.

The plan is refreshingly innovative — using vehicles such as volunteer opportunities and community partnerships to increase capacity and emphasize quality while doubling down on critical mentalhealth services. McCain’s plan is just what the doctor ordered. — Dan Gridley, M.D ., Phoenix

This letter originally appeared in the Arizona Republic, print edition, on Tuesday, April 5th.

You can read the full veteran care plan Dr. Gridley mentions by clicking HERE.