Health reform and the VA medical care system

Although the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system is literally the largest health care system in the free world, it's value has been largely overlooked in the debate on national health care reform. VA performs essential functions and provides special services that must not be lost in the process of reform. Restructuring the U.S. health care delivery and financing systems will certainly affect VA, therefore any serious plan for reform should specify the VA's role and responsibilities in tomorrow's national health care system.