CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Veterans Help Secretary Ted Diaz is warning West Virginia lawmakers concerning the U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs’ suggestions that will affect well being care choices for veterans.

Diaz appeared Monday earlier than the West Virginia Legislature’s Choose Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in Session to debate the federal company’s lately proposed adjustments to the well being care system. The division has publicly launched suggestions to its Asset and Infrastructure Overview Fee that officers contend would enhance and modernize companies.

West Virginia would see a discount in companies amid declining affected person enrollment. Some amenities will cease providing well being care and make the most of relationships with well being care companions. The medical facilities in Huntington, Beckley and Clarksburg would scale back well being care choices with some areas being transformed into new areas. Officers additionally advocate changing the Beckley VA Medical Middle with a facility that solely gives major care, outpatient psychological well being and non-surgical outpatient companies.

“My finest suggestion I give to you — and I’ve already given to the congressional delegation in D.C. — is that this plan must be eradicated now,” Diaz stated Monday.

Diaz famous companies involving inpatient psychological well being care, inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, and emergency room care will likely be eradicated. Group-based outpatient clinics in Parsons and Franklin additionally face closure, with Diaz including there aren’t any plans to switch companies.

“The stability of care could be reliant on rural hospitals positioned all through the state and suppliers inside these communities,” Diaz stated.

He added, “Our issues are with the flexibility of the non-VA amenities to deal with the distinctive veteran state of affairs. Veterans have a novel want of care, whether or not or not it’s traumatic accidents injured in battle [or] psychological well being points from the psychological injures which have been inflicted by means of the years of battle.”

Diaz famous he has spoken to West Virginia’s federal legislators on the report. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., held a city corridor final week with Diaz and different veterans leaders concerning the suggestions and the attainable results.

The AIR Fee has till Jan. 31, 2023 to carry public hearings and submit a report back to the Biden administration on the proposed adjustments.