Navajo Nation opposing federal veterans’ health copay plan

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) – The Navajo Nation is opposing a federal plan to adopt a copay system for veterans seeking medical care at U.S. Indian Health Service hospitals.

The Gallup Independent reports  Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez recently told Veterans Affairs officials the plan is “outrageous” and violates the government’s responsibility to provide health care to Native American tribes and veterans.

Nez made his feelings known at a tribal consultation in Washington.

VA officials wanted to discuss the consolidation of multiple community care programs into one program with standard rates.

Nez says those changes would slow the process for care.

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Information from: Gallup Independent, http://www.gallupindependent.com