June 22, 2001

VA Releases CARES Delivery Options For VISN 12

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) June 19 released a report outlining nine service delivery options for the future of health care delivery for veterans in the greater Chicago area (VISN 12). Prepared by the consulting firm Booz, Allen and Hamilton, the report is part of the VA Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) program which is designed to allow VA to align facilities and other resources so that veterans have improved access to quality health care today and in the future.

The VISN 12 network, which also covers much of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, is the first network to undergo such analysis, which the VA plans to employ across the country. The consultants examined the current and future health care needs of the veteran population in the network, and developed the service delivery options based on the age, medical conditions, and other special characteristics of the network.

Release of the report begins an internal review process within the VA, which will culminate with the National CARES Steering Committee submitting a recommended option(s) to the Under Secretary for Health by the end of July. At that time, the Under Secretary will make a formal recommendation which will be subject to a formal 60-day comment period. In the interim, stakeholders are invited to submit comments to the CARES Program Director.

Information: Jonathan Fishburn, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.