Noteboom The Law Firm

Louisiana VA Defends Cost Cutting Measures

June 12, 2010 - Every state is being forced to make uncomfortable budget cuts due to the current economy. Louisiana's cuts came, unfortunately, in their funding to the state's 5 veterans homes where the state cut over $2 million dollars in funding. Despite this, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) insists this will not affect the quality of care they provide.  

Susan Duhon, the wife of a veteran, believes some of the cuts were designed to eliminate the doctor's position in 4 of the VA homes. Conversely, the LDVA highlights the benefits that have flowed by having to adjust to the cuts. Contract doctors continue to provide the same top-notch care as has always been provided. Further:

• Contract doctors give veterans hospital privileges never before available; and
• Bulk discounts on medications purchased at the VA for resident veterans.

 The LDVA could not justify the employment of 5 full-time pharmacists while they provided 80% of resident veterans' prescription medications free of charge. So in response, the LDVA consolidated all their pharmacies into one central location and left consultants and medication specialists in all 5 homes. The money saved will be passed on to all the resident veterans. Additionally, the LDVA is attempting to find a way to eliminate veterans' co-pays for medical care to include medications, where applicable.

The LDVA also argues against classifying the reduction of funds as cuts. They explain the reductions will be balanced by increases in other federal and state funds. The more veteran-residents inside the LDVA the more Medicare funding the LDVA can claim. The LDVA will also be able to take advantage of the increased federal per diem payments.  

Because the LDVA was forced to become more efficient by losing those funds, their savings resulted in having the ability to give raises to the Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs) in their Bossier City medical center. CNAs perform the vast majority of the resident care in the facilities.

Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Buddy Shaw (R-Dist. 37) was surprised by the cuts and even more surprised he has not been able to restore the funding. While it is an uphill battle, he pledges to do everything possible to get that money back into the state VA system.