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I originally enrolled for VA Healthcare about a year ago, but couldn't make the initial blood work appointments at my local clinic. I'm assuming that's when I was supposed to get my VID card as well.
Now, I'm wanting to get that stuff done but for the life of me I cannot get through to the clinic by phone. I have been trying daily for months, but I can't stay on the phone for very long because I have to make these calls at work, and a lunch break is never long enough to make it through to a person at the clinic.
I don't know how long it would be if I went there in person, so I've been trying to get through by phone first.
One question is whether or not it's necessary to do this specifically for the purpose of complying with the new healthcare mandate coming up in January, or whether simply having enrolled is sufficient.
I'm a young guy (32) with no medical issues, so I'm not TOO worried about having this stuff done immediately, although I'd rather get it out of the way should I need care.
Another question is whether I can just walk in to the clinic and schedule my initial appointments I need?
Also, do the clinics typically issue the VID cards or do I have to drive the couple hours away to do that at the actual VA hospital nearest to me?
Best time to call the VA is after 3:00 pm. Not at lunch. Or in the morning.
You just need an appointment with a primary care provider, if you want have a healthcare need, or want referral for speciality care. Or authorization for an eye exam and glasses. Having an appointment one time a year is sufficient to keep you active as a VA subscriber.
Last edited by jasper12; 09-23-2013 at 05:04 PM..
Reason: edit. added link
Is every honorably discharged veteran able to sign up at the VA for medical services? DH has not done so and thinks that with Obamacare that he will not be accepted. DH is still working and has medical insurance, but he is a cancer survivor and we will still be paying toward his care. I told him that he still needs to make an appointment the veterans' hospital, but he doesn't think they will take him.
Is every honorably discharged veteran able to sign up at the VA for medical services? DH has not done so and thinks that with Obamacare that he will not be accepted. DH is still working and has medical insurance, but he is a cancer survivor and we will still be paying toward his care. I told him that he still needs to make an appointment the veterans' hospital, but he doesn't think they will take him.
Every veteran (with a few exceptions) is eligible to sign up for VA health benefits.
Not every veteran will receive every VA health benefits.
If you go to the VA's health care website, you'll be able to read all the information on VA health benefits. It will explain what is available, how to determine you’re Priority Group, what care you will receive based on that priority Group, it will provide information on VA health care and the Affordable Care Act. There is no way for any of us to say what will and won’t be covered because we don’t know the history, service connection of that illness, and if any other factors apply.
This is a my copy of a letter I received in my mail last week, I blacked out my name and address.
VA Healthcare does meet the requirements set forth by the ACA.
Veterans who are applying for healthcare will need to submit to a means test, this is done once a year on your original anniversary enrollment into the VA Healthcare system.
Some veterans healthcare is free of charge, but depending upon your income, there may be copays involved. My healthcare is free of charge, but I must pay $8.00 per prescription as a copay.
Below is a link to the VA means test web page, you can enter your information on it, print it out and mail it in, or you can contact and visit your VA liaison nearest you. If you plan to visit your local office, be sure to bring your DD214 with you to avoid delays in processing your requests.
Every veteran who has served 180 days of active duty is able to get VA health care provide they were discharged with an honorable or under honorable conditions. If the veteran has a service connected condition then he may be able to get disability benefits from the VA, and any medical treatment for his condition would be covered. If there is no service connected condition he can still receive treatment through the VA however he would have to pay a co-pay. The co-pay is based on income through what is called a "means test", so depending on your income depends on how much co-pay.
The VA has 8 levels of priority with level 1 being the highest. You can check this like to see what priority level you will fall into: Health Benefits :: Priority Groups Table
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I Concur With Jasper
