Enrolling in veteran healthcare
Enrolling in veteran healthcare
Even if you are a veteran not yet receiving the pension, you may be eligible for VA healthcare. Applying costs nothing and the care provided costs nothing. Prescription costs may be markedly lower than otherwise available, and it may be that other services can be provided to assist with long-term care needs. This possibility should be explored.
This is a veteran benefit often overlooked; in fact, every veteran should consider enrolling. Most people already have some sort of health care plan in place and naturally hesitate to make any changes. This enrollment means that the VA becomes the primary provider, and it is remarkable just how much can be provided. Most noticed is the low prescription costs, and that is motivation enough for many veterans. There may be others, and it’s well worth the time and effort to explore this option.
Getting Started:
Enrollment can be done by phone, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) on any weekday. The application is available and can be completed and submitted online at www.va.gov for processing, and the electronic records system will be searched for the applicant’s supporting documentation. The form itself can be downloaded and mailed in, or the application can be made in person at any VA healthcare facility or VA office.
Some Insights:
The VA healthcare system is, and has long been, the only socialized health care system in the United States. The government provides the supplies and services directly to the veteran-patient with no intermediary. This is little-known or noticed, but any complaints or defects not dealt with internally come directly into the purview of the Congress. And its patients are all veterans.