My mother is a proud veteran. She served more than seven years in the Air Force during the 80’s and has felt the impacts throughout her life. She has fought for benefits, and for her rating, and even more so for her health care. On Dec. 6, 2024, the VA posted a release on their website stating that they are raising the bar on care for women veterans. As a proud son, I felt that it was my duty to see what they were doing for women like my mother, and many others like her who felt unseen by the Dept. ‘dedicated’ to their care.
According to the VA’s Study of Barriers for Women Veterans to VA Health Care 2024 report, over 7,000 women veteran’s input has been examined in regard to health care. The outcome is that women are happier with VA health care than ever before. According to a release on the VA’s website, “this comprehensive study provides crucial insights into your experiences, and it highlights both our successes and areas where we can do better.”
The high notes of the report
According to the report, significant improvements have been found to include safety and comfort, Provider satisfaction, and a sense of belonging for women at the VA.
Safety and Comfort
83% of women Veterans feel safe and comfortable at VA facilities. Since 2014, satisfaction has notably increased due to improvements in cleanliness (+10%), accessible parking (+17%), safe parking (+8%), privacy at check-in (+8%), and welcoming waiting areas (+9%).
Provider Satisfaction
82% are satisfied with their VA providers, noting respect and improved medical knowledge, which rose from 79% in 2014 to 86% in 2024. This improvement is attributed to the Women’s Health Mini-Residency Program, which has trained over 11,500 VA providers in gender-specific care, including reproductive health, gynecology, breast health, and maternity care.
Sense of Belonging
74% of women Veterans report a strong sense of belonging at the VA. This reflects the VA’s efforts to foster inclusivity and personalized care through trauma-informed practices, provider options, telehealth, and private accommodations. Additionally, targeted communications and culture change campaigns address issues such as harassment, suicide prevention, and diversity.
Although areas have been found improved, the VA recognized that there are still areas in need of significant attention. The areas that they are going to refocus efforts on create barriers to care, which the VA is actively addressing.
The Low Notes
The key challenges faced by women Veterans are understanding, access, and support for health care.
Understanding Benefits and Care
37% of women Veterans lack an understanding of their benefits, and 27% need more information on using VA health care. To address this, the VA offers resources like the Women Veterans Call Center, newsletters, and local Women Veterans Program Managers.
Expanded Access
Limited hours have led 25% of women to switch to non-VA providers, with over half expressing a need for extended hours. Many VA facilities now offer extended weekday and weekend hours, along with telehealth options for greater convenience.
Family Needs
Childcare challenges caused 40% of women Veterans to find care difficult and 46% to cancel appointments. The VA is improving childcare support under the Deborah Sampson Act to help balance family and healthcare needs.
The VA’s commitment to women
According to the VA’s website, “We are committed to making significant improvements to ensure that you have the support you need and more options than ever before.”
The site continues to state that each year, services continue to expand, and these enhancements to women veterans’ health care include.
Expanded Services
Increased availability of extended hours, telehealth, childcare, home care, transportation, medical equipment, and mail-order prescriptions.
Comprehensive Care
Personalized services include primary care, gynecology, reproductive health, maternity care, mental health, specialty care, and cancer screenings.
Women Providers
Improved access to women’s health providers and women-only clinics, with the option to request providers by gender.
Safety and Respect
Practices like medical chaperones and accommodations ensure a safe and respectful environment.
Mental Health Support
Access to Women’s Mental Health Champions, counseling, support groups, and 24/7 confidential assistance via the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1).
Improved Communication
Resources include the Women Veterans Call Center (1-855-VA-WOMEN), newsletters, websites, Veteran Service Organizations, and direct communication with VA healthcare teams. The interesting thing about The Barriers for Women Veterans to VA Health Care 2024 report is that at the back of the report, you can read, in their own words, the statements that women have submitted to support this study.
Statements like, “I attempted to apply for medical benefits and other benefits and the VA never returned any calls or correspondence regarding my application or request for medical benefits. I was in the reserves subsequent to active duty and feel like I should have been entitled to medical benefits. I would like someone to call me concerning my application and eligibility for medical benefits I currently do not have any medical benefits.” – Woman N, and “It takes months to get an appointment. If the appointment is changed by the VA, it takes months again to get another appointment.” – Woman F, makes the report an eye-opening read, but one that the VA seems to be taking seriously.
Raising Voices to Raise Awareness
At the end of it all, more than 7, 300 women responded to the survey, and the comments are being heard, the impact is being seen, and the surveys will continue. It is up to each and every veteran to ensure that our voices are heard and that we respond to these surveys to ensure that we get the care that we deserve; especially for women veterans.
My mother is one tough lady, but I also know that these VA facilities are tough. I admire her and other women veterans for their bravery over the years of dealing with these conditions at the facilities, and I only hope that we can come together as a military and veteran community and improve the environment and the healthcare for all who served, are serving, and those yet to serve.
