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VA health care experience


richfaa

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I had my first an apparently last experience with the VA healthcare system. I had never been in a VA facility in my life and my purpose was to apply for healthcare eligibility .The reason is not important. I of course have heard horror stories. .

The facility was the Lorain Country Outpatient Clinic, Sheffield Village ,Ohio It is a fairly new facility. Everyone we dealt with was polite, professional, helpful, knowledgeable. I was in and out business completed in one hour 30 mins.

We spoke to Connie the Medical Administrative Officer and Outreach Contact  person who determined my eligibility. Many questions later she determined we were in Priority Group 8b which our Government determined in 2003 was the group of Veterans who had a income so high as to not be eligible for VA health care benefits of any kind. It was BTW determined on Net income not gross income. I was happy to hear that we can take care of ourselves and our Government need not be involved. We have no problem with the determination.

She said I would have been good before 2003 unfortunately I did not know about the 2003 congressional action. My bad.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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I have not really invested any time to see if I might be eligible to visit a VA health care care facility. Being a retiree, I doubt I am and therefore have not pursued it. My next door neighbor of many years did use the VA system and always spoke well of the care he received. 

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Chalkie,

All military retirees are eligible for VA care. It's just the income.

I'm dealing with government wacko legislation and put off a return to a position I was offered and almost did it when my wife reminded me there was a limit which would kick in paycheck issues with the Social Security. Then I find out that was only because I took SS at 62. Next year, as I understood it, when I reached full retirement age and from that time on I can earn as much unlimited and still get paid my money put into SS.

Crazy people!

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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The VA income limit  for 2 dependents that would put you in priority group 8b was just short of 45,000 and that included ALL sources of income( and I mean all sources). The income was determined on NET income not Gross income.

We have good health insurance coverage and do not require  the VA coverage. I was upon advise  from  veterans group checking for eligibility to get hearing aids which are very expensive .I have no problem with the determination as there are veterans who need the VA service far more than we do.  We also found that our BC/BS  supports a program called "tru hearing" that helps with hearing aid cost.

Anyhow  my experience will the VA was very positive.

 

 

 

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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I have TriCare for life, TFL.

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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I am not retired Military but Retired Federal Employee. We have many friends that use Tricare for life but  we are not all that familiar with it. We were told that it was free that is one paid no premiums but that changed a few years ago. It appears to be much the same now as the FEHBP in terms of premium's.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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17 hours ago, richfaa said:

Anyhow  my experience will the VA was very positive.

I don't recall the group code that I fall into but mine is such that I have a co-pay and they also bill my insurance as well, which I believe they should do. I go there mostly for prescription coverage and like you, my experience has all been good. We seem to hear mostly about the bad experiences, but all too often we forget that those who use the civilian system sometimes have bad experiences as well. (Like when Pam was taken by ambulance to Trinity Mother Francis emergency room from an auto accident and had to wait nearly 3 hours to be seen) 

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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My experience here at the VA in Murfreesboro TN. has been very good, not perfect but who is! I am a heart patient and have been since the Fall of 2012!

I was going to rant about the Categories but decided not to! But i will rant about this! Anyone who was courageous enough to NOT duck out of the DRAFT, especially during time of WAR, deserves to be eligible for health care for the rest of their live. Rant Over!

:) Living Life One Day At A Time!

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3 hours ago, Kirk Wood said:

I don't recall the group code that I fall into but mine is such that I have a co-pay and they also bill my insurance as well, which I believe they should do. I go there mostly for prescription coverage and like you, my experience has all been good. We seem to hear mostly about the bad experiences, but all too often we forget that those who use the civilian system sometimes have bad experiences as well. (Like when Pam was taken by ambulance to Trinity Mother Francis emergency room from an auto accident and had to wait nearly 3 hours to be seen) 

The income level came into being in 2003 and Group 8B as I described puts those in that group ineligible for benefits . They gave me a folder explaining the priority groups. You can go to the VA web site and view the changes.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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Isn't there an exception when you are VA Paid 50% disabled or more?

I am 30% But no longer use the VA. My last experience was less than satisfactory, long before the current issues.

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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That is different  you would not be in priority group 8b but a much higher group and eligible for benefits..

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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Remember I am NOT retired military.Veteran 3 years in and out no service connected disabilities I would be in the lowest group in any case and rightfully so.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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16 hours ago, richfaa said:

Remember I am NOT retired military.Veteran 3 years in and out no service connected disabilities I would be in the lowest group in any case and rightfully so.

This would have been valuable info for your initial post.  I doubt many people know/knew you were 3 and out with no service connected disabilities.

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I was not aware there was a difference till I went to the VA to inquire about eligibility . I have never interacted with the VA on Health care before. From what we read we were of the opinion that veteran would be "taken  care of" that is now not true as it depends on your status and income. Prior to 2003 veterans like myself  would still have been in the lowest group but still eligible for VA healthcare; Note said "veteran like myself) of which there are many. If you have a service connected disability  it makes no difference how long you served. It was a education.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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1 hour ago, richfaa said:

 If you have a service connected disability  it makes no difference how long you served. 

Many of us know that, and probably figured (wrongly) you had a service connected disability.  I know no veterans WITHOUT a service connected disability that uses/wants to use the VA.

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Starting with the present priority group five veterans with no service connected disabilities are eligible for VA healthcare. Veterans at low income levels would be eligible. VA health care benefits overview, Vol 2 has the latest up to date information on VA healthcare. Prior to 2003 all veterans even at the lowest priority level were eligible for VA healthcare. I would never have used VA health care as my Federal Employees health benefit plan  is sufficient along now with Medicare.

 

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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I've known several Vietnam vets who used the VA Healthcare system and have no disability.

Here's the priority groups for those who might be unfamiliar with them.

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp

 

Everybody wanna hear the truth, but everybody tell a lie.  Everybody wanna go to Heaven, but nobody want to die.  Albert King

 

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1 hour ago, chirakawa said:

I've known several Vietnam vets who used the VA Healthcare system and have no disability.

Here's the priority groups for those who might be unfamiliar with them.

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp

 

Yes that is a very good post and the information is right out of   VA health care benefits overview, Vol 2 that I got just a few days ago. We also know veterans that have no disability and use the VA healthcare system. We have no experience in using the VA healthcare system so have no comments on the quality of care. We do have several friends that do use the system and they  have had good experiences.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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5 hours ago, chirakawa said:

I've known several Vietnam vets who used the VA Healthcare system and have no disability.

 

I happen to be one of those, although I served during that time but was never in theater. Using the link and then checking some of my records, I figured out what group I'm in and it is Priority Group 8, sub-category a. I first registered with the VA back in early 2001, based upon advice given me. At the time I was not awarded any benefit, but at that time all registered vets were given an ID card and were encouraged to reapply with a new means test each year. I didn't reapply then until 2007 when I was told that I had moved up a bit and to reapply in another year. In 2010 our healthcare supplied by my employer came under attack by the effect of the ACA impacting especially our drug coverage so I applied and did a means test once more and that time was approved for coverage with a small copay. I don't know if it still works the same way, but as the VA rep explained it to me, there was some quota assigned each year for new beneficiaries based upon your date of registration & the means test. 

In my case, I use the VA for primary care & prescription medications and do not carry Medicare drug coverage but I do have Medicare and a supplement that is paid for by my previous employer. The supplement is billed for some of my care at the VA, just as excesses of Medicare is. I go outside of the VA system for any specialist care and send copies of their diagnosis to the local VA for inclusion in my records there. 

 

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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11 hours ago, Kirk Wood said:

I happen to be one of those, although I served during that time but was never in theater. Using the link and then checking some of my records, I figured out what group I'm in and it is Priority Group 8, sub-category a. I first registered with the VA back in early 2001, based upon advice given me. At the time I was not awarded any benefit, but at that time all registered vets were given an ID card and were encouraged to reapply with a new means test each year. I didn't reapply then until 2007 when I was told that I had moved up a bit and to reapply in another year. In 2010 our healthcare supplied by my employer came under attack by the effect of the ACA impacting especially our drug coverage so I applied and did a means test once more and that time was approved for coverage with a small copay. I don't know if it still works the same way, but as the VA rep explained it to me, there was some quota assigned each year for new beneficiaries based upon your date of registration & the means test. 

In my case, I use the VA for primary care & prescription medications and do not carry Medicare drug coverage but I do have Medicare and a supplement that is paid for by my previous employer. The supplement is billed for some of my care at the VA, just as excesses of Medicare is. I go outside of the VA system for any specialist care and send copies of their diagnosis to the local VA for inclusion in my records there. 

 

Good explanation you enrolled prior to 2003. I also would have been in that same group had I applied for eligibility In 2003 or before.

This is a good lesson on the value to keeping up to date.

Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky

SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter.

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remoandiris

I don't use them because I have service connected disabilities or because I am retired.  I use them because the 3 VA facilities that I have used over the last 24 years have all treated me like gold.  They have treated my Father, Mother, Older Brother and Younger Brother all well.  I have never had any problems with the VA.  Ya see I look at the VA for what it is "a benefit" not as "a right".  I use them because I want to not because I think I am entitled to.  I am 67 now and have Medicare and TFL so I could use anybody I like but I choose to use the VA.  I have paid for Medicare for 2 years now and have never used it once.

Dennis

 

 

USA Master Sergeant Ret.

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I can only say anyone that has not had any problems in the VA medical care system is fortunate.  I have had both wonderful care and poor care and no effective care. I have known at least a couple  that had horrible care.  Sometimes it is a matter of what caretaker you draw. I just got new ones and so far I am very happy after 5 years of pretty poor care. I almost had the patient advocate on speed dial during that period.  I would have requested a new primary but I felt I owed it to other veterans to stay and push the issue to try and get it right. When I got assigned to a new primary recently I inquired if the same nurse would be assigned to the new DR. When I was told yes I immediatly requested a new Dr. and was granted one. I know that a big part of the problem there was the nurse and I know others at the VA knew about her incompetence.  IE: she has given me the wrong shot within one minute of me saying I had already got the shingle shot just 30 days earlier. She lost or threw away some paperwork 3 times.  I am not bashing all of the VA but there are problems there. Just 20 minutes ago I got a call back within 15 minutes from a concientious employee dealing with an issue with my pacemaker scanner.

I just  remember that one day I had great care in replacing the generator and lead on my pacemaker in the morning and when my friend came to pick me up they said they didn't have anyone by my name in the hospital.   Also twice I had to go to emergency at VA direction and was given instructions there to see my primary for follow up and then could not get in to see the primary. 

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3 hours ago, richfaa said:

This is a good lesson on the value to keeping up to date.

Actually, a vet should register at his earliest opportunity, even if he has no plans to use his benefits or thinks that he will gain nothing. The reason is that it is usually beneficial to be early on to any list as time tends to be your friend, should you be like I was and the need changes later in life. Had I not taken advice and registered fairly early, I would not have had a place to go when my circumstances changed. 

34 minutes ago, bigjim said:

I can only say anyone that has not had any problems in the VA medical care system is fortunate.  I have had both wonderful care and poor care and no effective care

 

It is little or no different if you use the public health systems. Pam has had extensive need for medical care and she has had just as wide a range of care as you express. I mentioned a 3-hour wait in a hospital emergency room after arriving by ambulance. That was not the VA but major hospital in Tyler, TX. With Pam in one system and me in the VA, it gives me a pretty good view of both systems. There is one thing that the VA or any government healthcare system has working against the patients in that most VA patients are captive to the system and the doctors pay is not impacted at all if you choose to go somewhere else, but public medical services are so busy that those who treat patients badly continue to be busy and make a good income, and that lessens the effects of those differences. 

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

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20 hours ago, DJW said:

remoandiris

I don't use them because I have service connected disabilities or because I am retired.  I use them because the 3 VA facilities that I have used over the last 24 years have all treated me like gold. 

 

 

I only use them for my service connected reasons.  I have Tricare Prime and prefer my civilian PCM head and shoulders over my local VA clinic.

As has been mentioned in this thread, and in numerous news stories over the past 5 years, the level of care varies greatly from one location to another.

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