In 2008, the VA provided health care to over 281,000 women veterans, a fast growing subgroup of veterans. Women veterans seeking VA health care need access to an array of services, and Congress has raised concerns about how well VA is prepared to meet the physical and mental health care needs of women. This report examined: (1) the on-site availability of health care services at VA facilities for women vets; (2) the extent to which VA facilities are following VA policies that apply to the delivery of health care to women vets; and (3) key challenges that VA facilities face in providing health care to women vets and how VA is addressing these challenges. The auditor visited a sample of 9 VA medical centers and 10 community-based outpatient clinics.

The Dept. of Vet. Affairs (VA) provided health care to over 281,000 women vets in 2008 ¿ an increase of about 12% since 2006 ¿ and the number of women vets is projected to increase by 17% between 2008 and 2033. Women vets seeking care at VA medical facilities need access to a full range of health care services, including basic and specialized gender-specific services. This testimony discusses: (1) the on-site availability of health care services for women vets at VA facilities; (2) the extent to which VA facilities are following VA policies that apply to the delivery of health care services for women vets; and (3) key challenges that VA facilities are experiencing in providing health care services for women vets. Illustrations.