On this episode of the podcast, Terry and Bob discussed potential federal policies to improve healthcare for U.S. veterans. They point out that it is our duty as a nation to help those who have served our country. Veterans return home with visible and invisible wounds from keeping us safe, and they deserve the best treatment.
They discuss the latest on Capitol Hill, including how the proposed Build Back Better bill would eliminate President Trump’s rebate rule that directs massive rebate dollars that drive up drug costs to patients in the form of lower medication prices at the prescription counter. They also highlight how the bill would implement prescription drug price-setting, which would squash innovation that patients rely on.
South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee, joins the show to share what Congress can do to improve veterans healthcare. As the daughter of a retired Army General, she explains how this effort is a personal issue. She discusses how to overcome the persistent delays that many veterans encounter when trying to access care. She explains that quality and access to care vary wildly depending on the VA healthcare location. One hospital in South Carolina is even using 3D printing to better serve veterans. She discusses the three bills she passed this year to help military families and her fight to make cannabis more accessible for veterans suffering from PTSD and other invisible wounds.
Kate Pecora speaks with Vietnam Air Force veteran Eric Koleda about traumatic brain injuries, a common condition faced by veterans, and his work to expand treatment. He explains the work his organization TreatNOW is doing to connect veterans with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal brain wounds and the legislative efforts to increase access to this care. He reveals how high oxygen therapy has shown good results in repairing the brain, including for his brother-in-law. He highlights how he’s worked with Kentucky state legislators to get this treatment covered for veterans who need it, and he calls on the VA to include it as a standard of care.
Our veterans protected us abroad. We should protect them at home.
Listen HERE.
