VA Health plan?

Question

Somebody told me that I can apply for a healthcare program through the VA but I've been out of the military for over 2 years. I didn't get discharged with a disability but I'm an Iraq War veteran. Do I qualify for the program and how good is it? Would I be better off with a private insurance? I've heard not so great stuff about the VA. Can you provide a link that would let me know price, coverage, etc...?

Answer 1

Man, I passed on answering your question twice. I have a built in prejudice that you should know about.

I have been a volunteer Veterans Service Officer with The American Legion for 11years, and an "accredited representative", (VA credentials), for 9.5 years. My first 4 years as a VSO was spent in an office in a VAMC,(hospital), and all the claims and appeals I handle now deal with at least one VAMC involved.

I was disabled, after my separation from active duty, (US Army 1966-1968), and have had Medicare coverage for over 20 years. Prior to my award of Social Security Disability and Medicare my medical coverage was through employer, and I ocassionally used the VA.

I've seen medical coverage and treatment from two separate perspectives; private and VA. I have seen, and experienced, both good and bad in both systems.

As to whether you qualify or not is based on your initial application at a VA Medical Center. VA has returned to "means testing" again, along with Priority Levels in effect. Means testing is a look at your,(and spouse's if married), income level and total worth. If you fall below an income /total worth $ amount, you will qualify for care at a particular Priority Level which determines co-pays and certain coverages. Priority Level 1,e.g is a service-connected Veteran rated at 50% or above. Coverages and caveats apply all the way to Priority Level(Group) 8.

In addition, if you have a third party payer, (private insurance), that insurance coverage must be revealed, and they will be billed by the VA according to treatment and co-pay amounts.

You say you've heard "not so great stuff" about the VA. It happens, and although under VA law you have recourse for so called "malpractice", you have to prove it. Just as in private medicine, malpractice is available as protection against screw-ups, EXCEPT, you hire and pay for an attorney. In the VA situation a "competent" VSO is available to pursue your claim at no cost to you.

Remember there isn't a VA Medical Center in every city, or a CBOC, Community Based Outpatient Clinic, in every rural area. If your forced to use a non-VA facility in an emergency situation you can request VA pay the cost, or co-pay over private insurance. I said REQUEST.

My suggestion is to look up close at the VAMC you will be using regularly. Visit VFW, Legion, DAV clubs in your area and ask the Veterans there about the facility.

One more thing, since I spend a lot of time on Veteran's claims
and appeals I have resources available to everyone,(though only a VSO would be interested), and I can tell you the Department of Veterans Affairs is going to undergo a major change in 18-24 months. The Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Senator Craig has just floated a trial baloon; a veteran could pay a premium and purchase coverage for spouses and children. Bad idea. The VA has difficulty in treating women Veterans,(though improving), but Pediatrics, I don't see it.

Good Luck and thank you for serving your Nation. God Bless.

Spellcheck out, forgive errors.

Answer 2

I’ve included links below to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, a page where you can find out whether you are eligible for coverage, and a page that has pricing information. You should be since you were on duty for over two years. As for quality of care, I’ve included a couple of interesting articles about how the VA changed and improved through better practices and increased use of modern medical technology. Also, the US Senate passed the VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act this year that was supposed to rate the quality of federally operated hospital. I’m not sure if it’s gone into effect yet, but it will be one way to gauge the quality of care at VA medical facilities. Even though the VA seems to have improved, an earlier answerer was right to say that VA medical offices are not nearly as common as general hospitals and doctor’s offices.

If you want to compare VA rates and benefits with private insurance plans, try MostChoice.com. You can look at locally available health plans, and it provides a quick and easy way to reach local state-licensed insurance agents. They should be able to tell you about the local health care scene, and it might be useful to talk with local agents so you can find out just how inexpensive VA benefits can be. Also, if you decide not to go with VA benefits, having multiple insurance agents working for you means you’ll have a better chance at finding the most coverage for the lowest price.

You can find MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insurance.cfm
Hope this helps,
Barnes@MostChoice

Answer 3

I am a Viet Nam era veteran and I joined the Veterans Association about three years ago after being out of the military for over 30 years and have been participating in their health plan with annual physicals and primary doctor's care since then.
I've been very satisfied with their health care and recommend that you take advantage of it since, as a U.S. Vet, you qualify.
I suggest you join the association and they will put you in touch with your local VA hospital where they will schedule appointments for you.
Here is the link to the association to get you started.
You can peruse the site and get many of your questions answered there.
http://www.va.gov/
Good Luck!

Answer 4

The price is free. It is a health care system for all veterans even if they don't have a disability. The problem with it is it is a socialized medical care system, so you have to wait for treatment longer. It is free doctors visits, and the prescriptions are only like 7 dollars each. www.va.gov is a website to learn more.

Answer 5

It depends on the amount of income you have and your co-pay. Yes they are very concerned with the veterans.As long as you are a veteran you are intitled to VA care. The VA has trained doctors and staff. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/for-vets/medical.html Try here.

Answer 6

you should apply to the nearest va for an appointment. your health insurance will be billed for each treatment, but the va will pay the balance. prescriptions have a co-payment of seven dollars for each month of supply per drug. walk-in doctor visits may require an extra charge, up to fifty dollars, i think.

Answer 7

Yes, you can get in, probably. The services are good. Contact your nearest VA Hospital.

Answer 8

They take good care of me and I didn`t apply for help for about 10 years after my discharge.

Answer 9

Why don't you go directly to the VA website submit your case and ask your question? What's the fear and what do you have to lose? You're a vet, you're entitled to whatever they have to offer.