In our continuing previews of what Project 2025 entails, we are examining some of the conservative agenda’s supporting organizations, which number over one hundred, many of whom are dedicated to promoting their ideologies, should the upcoming election be won by their Republican candidate.
In looking ahead, to the upcoming general election, veterans deserve to know exactly what to expect regarding their hard earned healthcare and disability benefits – and the overall future of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) should the former president win re-election.
In the opinions of two authors, with the advocacy group Task & Purpose, who write about veteran healthcare topics, and have noted what could transpire, in the future, they describe Project 2025 as “an intricate road map for veteran policy” under a second Trump administration. This sweeping presidential agenda was produced by “the well-known Heritage Foundation and fabricated by more than 100 contributors, some of whom previously worked for the former president.”
By its own admission, the 920 page blueprint “is designed to be implemented” beginning day one of a second Trump administration. It addresses all aspects of the federal government, including the VA, and is part of an overarching effort to completely remake American government, to fit an ultra-conservative doctrine.
The Project proposes several alarming recommendations that “could significantly reduce veterans access to healthcare.” One would realign healthcare benefits to cover only “service – connected conditions”, i.e., medical or mental health problems that were acquired or exacerbated by military service.
Presently, once veterans prove they have a service related condition, they can receive care for that problem – as well as other conditions that they may develop. For example, a veteran whose leg was amputated in the military, would not only have lifetime care for that problem, but, also for the high blood pressure or cancer that they developed in civilian life.
The Heritage blueprint argues for the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) to eliminate some clinical services “that don’t align with service-connected conditions.”
There are five million veterans who have a service-connected designation and they all potentially stand to lose access for the bulk of their healthcare needs. Two million veterans, without a service-connected designation, could potentially be disenrolled from VA healthcare entirely.
Such a draconian concept accords with the Koch-backed group Concerned Veterans For America, whose Veteran’s Independence Act proposes “tightening eligibility requirements for new enrollees” at a certain date, in order to reorient the VA “back towards its mission of providing care for service – connected disabled veterans. ” It is also a goal espoused in the Heritage Foundation ‘s Budget Blueprint for Fiscal year 2023.” (That plan was to have begun in 2023 and would continue through 2038).
The 2025 plan would further require that “VA facilities match the patient volume” at DOD facilities.
Project 2025 risks shortchanging veterans and compromising the quality of care they receive, by treating them as if they are in the prime of their youth.
As citizens have become more informed, regarding the quagmire of Project 2025, more exposure of the far-right’s draconian plans are more obvious and are now being met with an increased opposition, particularly regarding the threats to civil rights, reproductive rights, and voting rights.
We, the People, are becoming more galvanized against those who would deny medical care for some or constitutional rights of others, if they’re allowed to come into power.
Stay tuned, as there is quite a lot remaining to bring to your attention.
Your Vote Is Your Voice!
The People Will Be Heard!
