Idaho Senator Crapo seeking veteran's opinions on their medical care

August 25, 2014

If you are a veteran, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is looking for information on how you feel about medical care you have received through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal programs administered in Idaho.  This direct information from veterans themselves may be particularly useful given recent controversies over medical care in some VA facilities. Senator Crapo announced a survey his office is administering to gauge veteran's thoughts and opinions on their medical care. The survey was first announced in early August, and runs through the end of September. To date, more than 700 veterans, their family members, and friends, have responded to a this effort to gather information about veterans care. Senator Crapo's office reports that during his time in Idaho during the August state work period, he has met with veterans and veteran's advocacy groups. "I appreciate the willingness of Idaho’s veterans to assist us in tracking the care and service they receive,” Crapo said. “These veterans have given so much of themselves and we must ensure that the nation keeps its commitment to them for putting their lives on the line to protect our freedom.” According to Senator Crapo's office, the survey is relatively brief and is available on Crapo’s official website at http://www.crapo.senate.gov/contact/survey.cfm and is also available through the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. Veterans can also call one of the Senator’s offices to have a staff member administer the survey. The following phone numbers can be used to reach Crapo’s offices: Washington, DC (202) 224-6142 Idaho State Office (Boise) 208-334-1776 North Idaho (Coeur d’ Alene) 208-664-5490 South-Central Idaho (Twin Falls) 208-734-2515 Eastern Idaho, North (Idaho Falls) 208-522-9779 North-Central Idaho (Lewiston) 208-743-1492 Eastern Idaho, South (Pocatello) 208-236-6775 Additionally, veterans can visit any of the Senator’s regional offices to take the survey in person. Friends and families of veterans are also welcome to take the survey to share their experiences. The survey contains questions about the level of satisfaction veterans have with the Veterans' Administration generally. It also asks where veterans receive health care treatment if they use VA facilities. The survey provides the option of sharing individual positive and negative experiences. Senator Crapo's office indicates that Idahoans in need of specific assistance in dealing with the VA or other federal agencies and navigating programs may also contact any one of the senator's offices for further assistance through the survey or separately.