Project HERO Overview
Project HERO is a Demonstration project that is being piloted in VISNs 8, 16, 20 and 23 to maximize the care VA provides directly and better manage Fee care. This page provides materials to share information about the pilot program and to make it as easy as possible for you to find the answers to your questions.
In November 2005, VA developed Project HERO in response to House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Conference Report 109-305, which directed VA to focus on cost-effective purchasing of care and to develop a competitive award with at least three objectives-oriented demonstrations (pilot programs) to encourage collaboration with industry and academia.
VA contracts with Humana Veterans Healthcare Services (HVHS) for medical/surgical, mental health, diagnostics, and dialysis and Delta Dental Federal Services (Delta Dental) for dental care provider networks were announced in January 2008. All Project HERO contracted provider networks and care facilities are required to meet accreditation standards and VA-specified quality standards.
The ultimate goal of Project HERO is to ensure that all health care delivered by VA, either through VA providers or community partners, is of comparable quality and consistency for Veterans.
Project HERO objectives:
- Provide as much care for Veterans within the Veterans Health Administration, as practical;
- Refer Veterans efficiently to high-quality community-based care when necessary;
- Improve the exchange of medical information between VA and non-VA providers;
- Foster high-quality care and patient safety;
- Control operating costs;
- Increase Veteran satisfaction;
- Secure accountable evaluation of the Demonstration; and
- Sustain partnerships with Academic Affiliates.
Four groups oversee the Project HERO program: the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Chief Business Office (CBO), the Project HERO Governing Board, the Contract Administration Board and the Project HERO Program Management Office.
The VHA CBO leadership oversees purchased care programs, including Project HERO. This group meets with and incorporates input from internal and external stakeholders. CBO leadership also regularly monitors and evaluates Project HERO program metrics.
The Project HERO Governing Board oversees Project HERO activities and approves changes in terms, quantities and conditions of the Project HERO contracts. The Governing Board is comprised of the acting deputy secretary for health operations and management, the VHA chief business officer, and network directors from the four participating Veterans Integrated Service Networks.
The Contract Administration Board (CAB) provides contract guidance and reviews major contract modifications as-needed. The CAB is comprised of the Project HERO contracting officer, contracting officer technical representative, program manager, and representatives from the Office of Acquisitions and Logistics and the Office of General Counsel.
The Project HERO Program Management Office (PMO) oversees Project HERO contract operations to help ensure quality care, timely access to care, timely return of clinical information to VA for informed continuity of care, patient safety and satisfaction. PMO oversight includes contract administration, project management, and performance monitoring including quality assurance plans, reporting, auditing, communication, issue resolution and training.
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The Project HERO Program Management Office will regularly track and monitor cost, quality, safety, vendor performance and other data relevant to the demonstration to ensure that Project HERO is meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Conference Report H.R. 109-305:
- Implement care management strategies proven valuable in public and private sectors;
- Ensure care purchased for enrollees from community providers is cost-effective and complementary to the larger Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system of care;
- Preserve and sustain partnerships with university Affiliates;
- Establish at least three care management demonstration programs through competitive award; and,
- Collaborate with industry, academic and other organizations to incorporate a variety of public-private partnerships.
This information will be gathered, analyzed and reported on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. The Program Management Office will share its findings with internal and external stakeholders including the Project HERO Governing Board, Directors of participating Project HERO Veterans Integrated Service Networks, Senior VA and VHA leadership, Veterans Service Organizations, Academic Affiliates and labor unions. Additional information regarding the communications to Veteran Services Organizations, Academic Affiliates and the labor unions can be found on the Partners page.