VA medical coverage

[woodbender]

Others have mentioned the DAV. They can't be beat to provide help and accurate information.

Please don't rely on what you hear from disgruntled vets sitting around a campfire.

The VA is an absolutely incredible resource.

Remember.... you EARNED it.

[FastEagle]

Originally Posted by FastEagle

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligi...iority-groups/

Here is another helpful link.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

[thegats1]

Yes, I have heard all of the stories too. "Hey, you're a vet, you qualify for VA medical coverage." Not so fast. I friend of mine and I applied around the same time last year. He doesn't make much in terms of earnings. He was approved. I got the denial letter. I make too much money to qualify. I already have great coverage with my company plan. Unfortunately the company I work for isn't doing so well. I work in the oil and gas industry, and yesterday Joe Biden stuck a few more nails in the coffin that is under construction. So my plan was to go ahead and get into the system and maybe get a physical each year or something minor. Anyway, I received the denial letter. Not at all angry. I understand. I get it. There are a lot of vets who really need this right now, so I don't want to take up the resources. Was only hoping to be in the system. I served 6 years in the Navy. The letter did invite me to reapply if my circumstances change. After reading one of the posters on this thread who works for the VA, my story is consistent with what he says.

[FastEagle]

Originally Posted by thegats1

Yes, I have heard all of the stories too. "Hey, you're a vet, you qualify for VA medical coverage." Not so fast. I friend of mine and I applied around the same time last year. He doesn't make much in terms of earnings. He was approved. I got the denial letter. I make too much money to qualify. I already have great coverage with my company plan. Unfortunately the company I work for isn't doing so well. I work in the oil and gas industry, and yesterday Joe Biden stuck a few more nails in the coffin that is under construction. So my plan was to go ahead and get into the system and maybe get a physical each year or something minor. Anyway, I received the denial letter. Not at all angry. I understand. I get it. There are a lot of vets who really need this right now, so I don't want to take up the resources. Was only hoping to be in the system. I served 6 years in the Navy. The letter did invite me to reapply if my circumstances change. After reading one of the posters on this thread who works for the VA, my story is consistent with what he says.

Git your foot in the door with a VA ID card.

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

[thegats1]

Originally Posted by FastEagle

Git your foot in the door with a VA ID card.

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

Thanks FastEagle. I do already have that. I will reapply if/when the time comes that I need to.

[hewebb]

Last year I went to the VA close to me and was told to come back as the camera was not working. A few weeks later I went back to try again. After filling out all the paperwork I was told I was not eligible for the card. I was not interested in the VA medical benefits just wanted the card for benefit at stores etc. I had my 214 in pocket at Lowe's and was able to get a card for 10% discount. An ID card for identification only should be available.

[BCam]

Originally Posted by hewebb

Last year I went to the VA close to me and was told to come back as the camera was not working. A few weeks later I went back to try again. After filling out all the paperwork I was told I was not eligible for the card. I was not interested in the VA medical benefits just wanted the card for benefit at stores etc. I had my 214 in pocket at Lowe's and was able to get a card for 10% discount. An ID card for identification only should be available.

According to the site below, you can apply online for a Veteran ID Card for discounts, submitting the necessary documentation and a photo:

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

The stated eligibility requirements are:

"Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card?
You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true. You:

Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and
Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.

You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge."

[Damion]

VA Medical Has Been Great for me! I was a 2 year draftee back on the end of Vietnam, no service disability. Went to local veterans officer about 10 years ago and the filled out the paperwork which came back approved! Which surprised be because I was still working at the time.
I use the Minneapolis, Mn Va hospital which is 100 miles away, and use the local Va clinic which is great!
Most of my care is out sourced through Community Care. See several specialist every year, did major back surgery 3 years ago. Yes I pay $50 for specialist and 10 coe pay on prescriptions.
Over all my experience has been Great! Walk into local clinic and service is fantastic!

[hewebb]

According to the site below, you can apply online for a Veteran ID Card for discounts, submitting the necessary documentation and a photo:

https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

The stated eligibility requirements are:

"Am I eligible for a Veteran ID Card?
You may be eligible if you meet both of the requirements listed below.

Both of these must be true. You:

Served on active duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard (including the Coast Guard), and
Received an honorable or general discharge (under honorable conditions)
If you received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable character of discharge, you’re not eligible for a Veteran ID Card. If you have an uncharacterized or unknown discharge status, we’ll have to verify your eligibility before we approve your application.

You’ll need to provide a copy of your discharge papers when you apply for a VIC to prove your character of discharge." __________________
BobC
2002 Itasca Suncruiser 35U

Thanks I will give it a try

[gmiller46]

Appears you live in Texas? If so the DPS will put "VETERAN" on your drivers license and Lowes/HD/etc accept.. I don't recall the procedure (slept since then) but DPS should tell you..

[BobinICT]

I guess having been in the Gulf war did have a benefit after all. A few years ago I had to make a decision. Pay the mortgage or pay for the Non Affordable Health Care because it just skyrocketed. Looked up VA coverage. Having served in Operation Desert Storm was an automatic qualifier for category 6. My only regret, I should have looked into it sooner. Didn't know I had that benefit. When I got out in 92 there was very little other than some collage benefits. It would have saved me thousands of dollars.

Anybody have a time machine I could borrow? Love my VA health care.

[fbuckwalter]

I looked into the VA because of a WWII vet friend. I called the VA hospital (Coatesville, PA) and they set me up. I was in AF 62 to 66,
Now I am living in FL and trying to get set up for a COVID vaccine shot.
I have used Medicare for my cancers (2) and the VA for eyecare. No problems!
I thought too I was not eligible but apparently I am. I have use the GI bill to buy 3 homes. You can only have 1 home at a time but as long as the previous loan is paid off you can get another.

Good luck!

[thegats1]

Originally Posted by BobinICT

I guess having been in the Gulf war did have a benefit after all. A few years ago I had to make a decision. Pay the mortgage or pay for the Non Affordable Health Care because it just skyrocketed. Looked up VA coverage. Having served in Operation Desert Storm was an automatic qualifier for category 6. My only regret, I should have looked into it sooner. Didn't know I had that benefit. When I got out in 92 there was very little other than some collage benefits. It would have saved me thousands of dollars.

Anybody have a time machine I could borrow? Love my VA health care.

Great to hear you got it. I wish you had known sooner also, but like you said, good to have it now. I served in Operation Desert Storm also, but I wasn't automatically approved. My income was still a disqualifier for me. Like I wrote in previous posts, I'm ok with it. If/when I hit a rough spot financially, I will reapply and hopefully get approved. I've been to the VA with my dad many times when he was treated for serious illnesses, so I've seen the vets that really need this care before me. I definitely don't want to take their spot, or clog the system up. As bad of shape my dad was in, we often left there thinking how lucky he was. Eventually lost him at 61 to cancer, but the VA took great care of him. He ended up getting Blue Cross / Blue Shield from my mom's job. He chose to continue to go to the VA and let my mom's insurance be billed by the VA. He felt comfortable around vets. He was a Vietnam vet. Anyway, hopefully Biden keeps this great resource funded and managed well. He seems to support vets from what I can tell.

[Hurricane-TX]

Best thing I ever did was apply for VA disability before I retired from the AF back in 95. Although I only received a rating of 10%, they have taken care of every medical issue as well as providing me with beer and gas money every month.