I believe it has to do with income/current.
Not really.
I make a good wage but went to the Long Beach VA hospital for an emergency and was in patient for 5-days (they almost killed me. Posted that saga on a thread a while back).
Former serving, honorably discharged qualify, as far as I can recall.
If you have a “service connected” medical condition determined by the VA you are eligible. If you don’t have a “service connected” condition, you must meet low income guidelines established by Congress. Treatment for service connected conditions is free to the veteran. Treatment for a non-service connected condition involves a relatively small copay.
Yep. I registered s a few years back, and was classified as something or other that basically said they would cover nothing as I was working and had insurance.
Since retired and now pay for my own insurance, never bothered to update status with the VA.
To get VA health benefits you have to have a “service related” medical condition. This is determined before you are discharge. You do not have to be medically discharged. Based on your condition they will assign a percentage of your medical disability. This will be determined prior to your discharge.
I was diagnosed for epilepsy. I received 10 % disability. I can go there and get free neurology assistance and required medications. I was also assign a primary care physician. This is free as well.
I provide the VA with my private insurance card, if I have one (I do)Any service I received them that is not deemed service related or preventive, they will bill my private insurance. If my insurance rejects it, or I have to pay for my deductible, the VA expects no further payment than what they received from my insurance plan.
I can essential go in there as an out patient and get a knee replaced, and I will never have to pay one cent.
It is not always the case that a 10% will receive no bill. It depends on how they classify you when you are discharge. Some will only get covered for only their service related disability. I know it is confusing.
I will add, that I never had one problem with the VA. However, other than my epilepsy, I am in very good health.
It has nothing to do with my financial situation. Both my wife and I make very good money. I have a family medical plan that covers her and my children.
If I ever find myself on a waiting list of some sort, I will check out my private option.