NATION : Veterans Health Services Cut
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it will cut some veterans health care services because “urgently needed” funds are tied up in a congressional battle over an emergency spending bill.
VA Secretary Edward J. Derwinski called the cutbacks “temporary” and said they will be closely monitored. But he warned that unless the urgently needed new funds reach the department soon, more drastic cutbacks will follow.
The department said the immediate steps being taken to save health care funds include a freeze on accepting new patients whose eligibility depends on available VA resources. Except in emergencies, the agency said, veterans affected are those with non-service-connected conditions whose incomes are above limits set by law.
Other actions include decreasing staff levels at VA facilities through attrition.
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