Do you think merging VA healthcare with another entity such as DoD healthcare or University teaching hospitals is a good idea?

I think our vets should just be given a universal health card that can be used in any hospital or clinic in the United States. Take existing VA Hospitals and convert them back into civilian hospitals and man them with the doctors and nurses we have across this country.

I have an amazing idea. Take the average amount of money the VA spends on a service, such as surgery, therapy, etc and give the veteran a voucher for that amount. Any money they have left over they get a check for 10% of that amount. When you have an incentive to save money you will always find an option that works for you. Concerning your questions about teaching hospitals....maybe, but only if it cut costs and delivered better service. Which honestly anything would be better than the VA.

Wayne, all major VA Medical Centers are arrayed with a University hospital.