Today, DOGE revealed that it plans to cut over 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs and return to 2019 staffing levels. The VA last year experienced its highest-ever service levels, reaching over 9 million enrollees and delivering more than 127.5 million health care appointments, according to the agency’s figures.
If the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) were to implement significant workforce reductions, the impact on patient care could be substantial. Here’s what could happen and what alternatives veterans might have:
Impact on Veteran Patient Care
- Longer Wait Times – Fewer staff would likely result in increased appointment wait times for primary care, specialty care, and procedures.
- Reduced Access to Services and Care Delays– Certain clinics or departments may face reduced hours or closures, limiting available care. Reduced staffing could mean longer delays for surgeries, cancer treatments, and mental health care resulting in sicker patients.
- Increased Emergency Room Burdens – Veterans who cannot schedule timely appointments may turn to emergency departments, overwhelming both VA and community hospitals.
- Higher Workloads for Remaining Staff – With fewer employees, the remaining workforce could experience burnout, further affecting care quality.
Alternative Care Options for Veterans
Veterans who face access issues at VA hospitals have several alternatives under existing programs:
- VA Community Care Program (Mission Act) – If a VA facility cannot provide timely care, veterans may qualify for care from private-sector providers at VA expense, potentially leading to more expensive care.
- TRICARE (for eligible retirees) – Some veterans, especially those with military retiree status, can use TRICARE for civilian healthcare.
- Medicare & Medicaid – Veterans over 65 (Medicare) or those with low income (Medicaid) can use these government programs for additional care options.
- Employer-Sponsored or Private Insurance – Many veterans have access to healthcare through employer-sponsored plans.
- State and Local Veteran Programs – Some states offer additional support for veterans needing healthcare.
Key Considerations for Health Systems
If VA workforce reductions occur, hospitals should anticipate an increase in veteran patients seeking care at non-VA hospitals. Leaders should:
- Assess potential capacity challenges for emergency and specialty care if there is a large veteran population in your market.
- Strengthen partnerships with the VA Community Care Network to facilitate smoother patient transitions.
- Ease workforce shortages by hiring VA doctors, nurses and techs that may have been laid off.