By HFT Staff

If the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has its way, healthcare for the nation’s veterans could look much different in the near future. 

In its Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) report, the VA recently recommended closing three of its hospitals as part of an overhaul that includes opening new facilities to expand care for veterans. The recommendations would close medical centers in Massachusetts, New York and Ohio, as well as dozens of other facilities. The VA also recommends opening hundreds of new locations aimed at improving veterans’ access to primary care, mental health treatment and other specialty care. 

The VA system serves about 9 million veterans nationwide through 171 medical facilities and more than 1,000 outpatient care locations. The AIR Commission will conduct public hearings as part of its review of VA’s recommendations before submitting its own recommendations to the president for further review in 2023.