VA to speed healthcare access in scandal's wake

The Department of Veterans Affairs is moving to slash patient wait times following reports linking delays at agency-run healthcare clinics to a series of deaths in recent years. Regulations proposed Tuesday are designed to speed healthcare for veterans by expanding access to private providers. The draft rule would map out a new Veterans Choice Program, laying out new guidelines for covered services, eligibility requirements, reimbursement rates and criteria that non-VA providers must meet to participate. To qualify, healthcare providers must already participate in the Medicare program and must able to offer timely, qualified care within a reasonable distance from the veteran's home.