Even though I am a vet, I have never used the VA system – first, because I am not a combat veteran, and second, I have always had decent jobs with health insurance. And now I have Medicare with a supplement from USAA.

My solution is to allow all vets to enroll in Medicare immediately and waive the fees that for me currently come out of my Social Security check and my supplement. This would give each vet the opportunity to choose a local doctor or a VA facility. It would create some competition for these patients between local doctors and the VA. It also would really work for those of us who live in rural areas far from Denver, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, etc.

Also, the paperwork would be minimal. Many vets already are qualified for VA, so they have a VA card; every vet knows where a copy of his DD 214 (Military Service Record) is. I have mine. Everyone has a Social Security number, so issue each vet a Medicare card.

I am sure that some will say this is too complicated. Or we do not want to lose this chance to bash Obama. If we care for our vets, get them on Medicare, VA or both – their choice.

Ray Finney

Pagosa Springs