Points to research showing benefits of increased medical appointments.
Veterans making primary care visits through the Veterans Affairs Department health care make copayments of $15 to $50 per visit. Because of the high suicide rates among veterans, the VA has begun to seek feedback from the public as well as from veterans to gauge whether or not the ability to waive copayments for frequent visits would be useful.
“Research shows increased frequency of outpatient mental health encounters for high-risk Veterans reduces their risk of suicide,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Through these efforts, VA will continue to address this national public health crisis by further eliminating financial burdens on Veterans which may negatively influence their engagement in mental health treatment and their critical medication availability.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That the VA would receive beneficial input from the public and from veterans.
- That Secretary McDonough is successful in implementing efforts to aid suicidal veterans.
- For mental health providers to be wise as they support veterans dealing with trauma and discouragement.
Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs
