both of them are healthnet and have done an amazing job of being a stand up this program in the timeframe that we had and i believe they are sincerely doing everything in their power to make sure those veterans are referred into the community. as you know sometimes in the community they are also so one of the tests when the rubber hits the road with the capacity and the private sector to really absorb the patients in a more timely way than we have been able to provide that care. >> thank you. how are they tracking the use of the $10 billion that have been allocated for the choice programs? >> that will be accounted for separately under the choice program. this is actually a mechanism similar to what we set up and made for may for the excellent reading care initiative where we were allocating specific amounts of funding out into the fields so we had already established a separate accounting change to be able to record all this information so we will know exactly at any point in time but has been expended for those choice program activities. >> you are recognized for five minutes. >> you sa

i have to say that beth of them, both tri-west and healthnet have done an amazing job of helping us standard up this program in the time frame that we had. and i believe that they are sincerely doing everything in their power to make sure that those veterans are referred into the community. as you know, sometimes waits in the community are also long. so one of the, i think, tests of when the rubber hits the road here is, what this capacity in private sector to really absorb patients in a more timely way than we have been able to provide that care. >> thank you. how is the va tracking the use of the $10 billion allocated for the choice program? >> all of that will be accounted for separately. this is a mechanism similar to we set up back in may for the accelerating care initiative, where we were allocating specific amounts of funding out into the field so we had already established a separate accounting chain to be able to track and record all this information. so, we'll know exactly at any point in time what has been expended and insured that only been expended for those choice program activ

about the choice program we set up pc three to be our preferred provider network and triwest and healthnet established contract with those providers. under the choice program you have provided a think a really good tool in terms of the provider in the authority we have which allows -- the veteran will be able to choose any willing provider that meets certain criteria. that could be a medicare provider federally qualified health care center etc. etc. but once that is done try to care or triwest will be able to reach out and get an agreement with that person for the choice program even if the provider doesn't necessarily want to be part of the network. i think the one issue that we have that really does need to be addressed expeditiously is the restructure and alaska, the medicare rate. there aren't many willing providers and alaska that are adjusted. i know you are aware that and your attention to that in a timely way would be very helpful. >> thank you and just really quickly as you were talking about expanding and improving and changing the va as mr. walz is suggesting this is just beginn