Why are Veteran Health benefits ignored in Allied Countries that seem to support everything else?

Question

I am a American Veteran now living in Australia and a permanant resident. Australians even with gold cards are not honored in the states. I have a universal medical card but have been refused to use it here. Unfortunately, this is costly to this country through Medicare; when if I lived in the states I would receive Veteran benefits. The Vietnam organization here even tried to help, but failed, and was told there was no agreement. When I moved here I was told by the states I could use my benefits. I was told that if I had moved to Canada or New Zealand or any other Allied Euopean Country that it would be honored. Somehow this doesn't seem right to the veterans or to the countries that they move to....someone has to have a answer or is going through the same thing I am. thanks deb

Answer 1

I think it's fair. Why should a country which you didn't serve for be responsible for your medical bills. The Australian tax payers shouldn't have to pay your bills because you served america. As you said the USA wouldn't cover Australian veterans so to me this seems fair. If you want benefits for serving your country then you need to stay in that country to be able to benefit from the perks. The Australian government and the tax payers here don't owe you anything if you chose to leave the USA. Obviously you chose to leave the US for a reason, why should we pay to look after you.

Answer 2

Actually, your veterans benefits are limited even in the US unless you are retired military. BIG difference. The problem is that in foreign countries you must be seen by the VA and if you are located in a remote region well then you could see if there is a contingency health care plan in place from the overseas VA medical facility. Unfortunately, usually is not the case. Medical Insurance regardless of the issuing country is not always accepted in other countries. And your veterans medical benefit falls under foreign medical insurance when residing outside the US. There is a US facility, Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, where American military are stationed. Of course this is located in Pine Gap. There health care facility would be a good place to start if you are looking for answers to where your benefits would be honored. They would generally have that information as I am sure many have family members with them that would need to use the medical facilities.

Answer 3

Proves the old age adage;

" Spoken words are worth nothing"!!

You need to get it in writing, people are told what the want to hear all the time.

Try contacting the US Embassy to see what your entitlements are and get it down on paper.