The VA is reporting strong results in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital quality ratings, underscoring the important role the VA direct health care system plays in serving those who have worn the uniform.

More than 75% of VA hospitals earned four or five stars in the top performance categories, according to the Aug. 29 CMS report. No VA hospital received the lowest rating, and over 90% either maintained or improved their score from last year.

“These ratings highlight the excellent care VA hospitals provide,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in the department’s announcement of the scores. “Our job is to continue raising the bar for customer service and convenience throughout the department, so VA works better for the veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we are charged with serving.”

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The CMS ratings measure performance across five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.

Progress and Challenges

The VA announcement also pointed to several improvements across the department, including expanding access through the opening of new health care clinics, record processing of disability claims, and increasing investment in infrastructure. The department also continues to accelerate deployment of a modernized electronic health record system to improve care coordination across VA and community providers.

However, important challenges remain. Veterans still face long waits for some specialty care, limited access in rural areas, and persistent staffing shortages across the system.

And while expanding community care options can improve access and convenience, it also raises concerns about how to preserve VA’s role as the primary coordinator of veteran-focused health care.

MOAA Priorities 

MOAA applauds the progress reflected in these ratings and VA’s commitment to raising the quality of care. But lasting improvements require sustained investment, with support from both the department and lawmakers.

MOAA urges lawmakers in the 119th Congress to:

• Provide timely, full-year funding so the VA can carry out its mission without disruptive stopgap measures.
• Invest in the workforce, human resources, and facility infrastructure needed to meet current and future demands.
• Preserve VA’s direct care system and specialized services that remain the foundation of veteran-focused health care.

The latest CMS ratings are an encouraging sign that VA health care is on the right track. But progress must be sustained and expanded. MOAA will continue to advocate for policies and resources to ensure the VA remains strong, modern, and capable of delivering the care and support services veterans have earned — today and for generations to come.