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LadyQ posted 8/8/2013 15:32 PM

I have no health insurance and the cheapest policy I can get through work is 1/4 of my bring home pay. I served 3 years active duty and I'm considering applying for VA health care. I have no service connected disability, so I know I'll be in a low priority group. Does anyone know what that means with regard to copays, deductibles, premiums. If I can even get in to see a doctor because I'm so low on the totem pole. In short, is it worth it, or should I look elsewhere for health coverage?

click4it posted 8/8/2013 16:05 PM

I am not a veteran, but my Dad was and my step-father is. USE THEM. You will most likely pay nothing.

[This message edited by click4it at 4:06 PM, August 8th (Thursday)]

confused girl posted 8/8/2013 18:48 PM

Not a veteran either, but my daughter is a vet and she uses the va services because that is her only source of covered healthcare. It can be time consuming, lots of paperwork, but everything is free. She has been pleased.

She can go to any ER in an emergency so she has her routine medical care at the VA but knows she is covered anywhere in an emergency.

kernel posted 8/8/2013 19:02 PM

I don't but I don't live anywhere near a VA clinic or hospital, and I have coverage through my work that's pretty cheap now that I'm on my own.

Try here for more information.

http://hbexplorer.vacloud.us/

Mandilwen posted 8/8/2013 21:05 PM

My ex used the VA and I remember it was free at first, but then he did have to start paying co-pays. He served in Iraq and may have been seen for PTSD, which should have been covered for free. The other regular issues may have been what the co-pays were for. The local American legion or VFW would be a great place to start looking into it. Good luck, and thanks for your service!

tushnurse posted 8/9/2013 08:50 AM

As a Care Manager who works with people and their insurances I strongly recommend that you start using it. Even if you are able to get a second source of insurance it's like a back up plan.

Confused girl is correct, once you have their insurance and are active with it, you can go to any ED for emergency care. VA will pay for it.
Also your medications tend to overall be much cheaper through the VA. I have many seniors who use their MCR, or have a MCR HMO and VA insurance the cool thing is they can pick and choose which one to use for what, and be most cost effective.

This is a benefit you have earned by selflessly serving your nation. Please use it. It's the least they can do for you.

Thank you for your service.

LadyQ posted 8/9/2013 11:46 AM

Thanks! It was my pleasure to serve. I'm one of those weirdos that believe that everyone should serve in some capacity, be it armed forces, coast guard, soup kitchen. I think it helps to remind us that it really is all about being a part of something bigger, more important than self.

Tearsoflove posted 8/10/2013 15:34 PM

Not everyone who serves qualifies for VA healthcare. Here is the VAs website where you can answer questions that will help you determine if you qualify.

http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/Tools/Quick_Eligibility_Check/index.asp

If you do qualify, the website links to their online application process.

[This message edited by Tearsoflove at 3:36 PM, August 10th (Saturday)]