100% Disabled Veterans health care question

1_oldgoat

Well-known member
Hey all, as a 100% disabled veteran on the forum, i see several on here, i have a question about a new program called
Veterans Choice Card for medical care outside the VA system, i just received my card today and from what i can understand from reading qualifications for this program, meet a couple of the criteria to be eligible.
I live further than 40 miles from the nearest VA facility and to get to the George Wallen VA Hospital in Salt Lake have a pass to drive over, which during winter months here can be a bit treacherous.
My question i guess is, has anyone been activated into and used the new program and if so did you still have to call and get pre-approval before making an appointment to see a doctor or specialist. If so, can anyone tell me how different the program is from the way things are now since i had to call to get approval to go to the emergency room a couple months ago. Sounds like its basically the same care we already have........I know there was a pilot program called "project arch" but the pilot was shut down September 2014, arch stood for (access received closer to home) some type of healthcare provided through contracted non-VA care providers, which i can only assume were lowest bidders, so welfare clinics.....i probably shouldn't say that because i have no first hand knowledge of the program but my last C&P exam was farmed out and it was done at a facility that should have been condemed by a PA that was shady at best.
I don't want to sound like i dislike the VA healthcare system, i appreciate it very much and don't know what i would do without it, could it be improved?? Yes, but it is what it is, hasn't changed in the last 30 years so i doubt it will any time soon.
If any veteran has information on this new Veterans Choice program, please post what you know about it, as i can't be the only one here who got a new card.
Thanks to all veterans for your service.
Marcus
 

pegmikef

Well-known member
I found this by searching "Veterans Choice Card." It may not answer all of your questions, though. Sorry, I'm not using VA, but the Tricare for Life along with Medicare A & B.

Ditto, but I also have a VA disabled vet medical card as well for backup in case "they" start tinkering with Tricare for Life as "they" have with all the other medical care stuff. Reading your link it looks like we all are going to get a choice card if we have a VA medical card regardless of individual circumstances.
 

1_oldgoat

Well-known member
Thanks for the link, from the looks of things, nothing is different than the way things are now, still have to call to get approval to see a doc outside the VA health care system only now they have a list of providers that are more than likely, lowest bidders......sounds like more headaches and stress trying to use the card than just waiting the normal 3 months for an appointment.
 

JohnDar

Prolifically Gabby Member
Fortunately, I don't have anything that would qualify me for VA. So long as the bean counters don't mess up the TFL, I'm good.


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1_oldgoat

Well-known member
John,
I appreciate what the VA does for myself as well as many other veterans, i don't know what i would do without the healthcare, saying that i am looking at private insurance but to date can't find anything affordable. I recently had to go to the hospital emergency room, was told by the VA clinic to go, but because i didn't call and get approval am now stuck with a couple grand bill, just frustrated with the system at the moment, was hopeing the new card would change thing a little but basically the same as it is now for me.
Thanks again for the link, i appreciate it.
Marcus
 

JohnDar

Prolifically Gabby Member
John,
I appreciate what the VA does for myself as well as many other veterans, i don't know what i would do without the healthcare, saying that i am looking at private insurance but to date can't find anything affordable. I recently had to go to the hospital emergency room, was told by the VA clinic to go, but because i didn't call and get approval am now stuck with a couple grand bill, just frustrated with the system at the moment, was hopeing the new card would change thing a little but basically the same as it is now for me.
Thanks again for the link, i appreciate it.
Marcus

The system still needs a lot of work, especially after the fiasco of the previous administrators. I don't know if it's possible for you to switch to Medicare A & B, with TFL as the secondary payer, but it might be worth a look. The Medicare isn't free, but with the two, most everything seems to get covered with minimal outlay by me, including prescriptions. With the two, I kept my family doctor and most of the facilities in my area work with both. I had colon surgery back in April and just about all of it was covered, including the 4 day hospital stay.

Until the wife hits 65, I've got her covered under Tricare Standard.

There was another forum member that became an "expert" on getting around the VA. Lefty was his "name," but unfortunately, he passed away a while back. I still have a copy of the photo he took of his artificial leg to show FF's how to release one if they happen to need to.
 

1_oldgoat

Well-known member
John, i agree the system needs help but don't foresee any changes coming any time soon. I got approval for a prosthetic device from a non VA clinic last year, i was surprised i didn't have to drive to Salt Lake for one, the last three were all from the VA. Since we have been here in Southern Idaho i have been approved for a few appointments outside of the system, mainly because wait times were 4 months or more out.
I am not eligible for tri-care because i did not retire from service but was put out on disability, so VA for me and Champ VA insurance for the wife, basically the same, i think the difference being, one program is for disabled veteran dependents vs retired veteran dependents. My wife has better care than i do at the moment, which again i am very thankful for. Looking at private insurance, premiums i have found run $900 a month with a $12,500 deductible, crazy and unacceptable.
I called on the new program to get some information but i am not i the system as yet, had to chuckle a little, i guess cards were sent out before all veterans eligible for the program are entered into the computer.......go figure!
Once i find out any more info on the new Veterans Choice Program i will post what i can learn about it.
 

Sniper

Well-known member
I know this is an older thread, but I was wondering how this turned out for you, as far as getting stuck with an Emergency room visit bill. If it is a medical emergency you are supposed to go to the nearest E.R. in fact when call the V.A. one of the very first things the recording says is: "if this a medical emergency, please hang up the phone and dial 911". The E.R. is supposed to contact the nearest V.A. and arrange transport to that V.A. once you are in stable condition ( you must let them know you get your healthcare through the V.A.). Also when you call to make an appointment with the V.A. you are simply calling a "Call Center". They look up your info and give you the next available slot, which as you know can be anywhere from days to months, and that's ok for routine stuff, but if you need to see a doctor ASAP call the TRIAGE Nurse, or asked to be transferred to the TRIAGE Nurse. Based on the answers you provide to their questions they will try to get you in within 48 hours (the last time I did this I got into see the doc in 5 hrs). As far as the Veterans Choice Program they have now changed the distance requirement to actually route distance, instead of how the crow fly's distance. Hope this all worked out well for you, and this info will be of help. I know the V.A. has many issues, but I must say they take pretty good care of my broken down arse. Thank you for your service, and welcome home.
 

carl.swoyer

Well-known member
They also include in the distance requirements any local clinic.

Carl & Christine, 2012 Landmark Rushmore, 2005 Silverado crew cab lt 8 foot bed 6.6 lly /Allison -custom dual exhaust-198000 miles !
 

2psnapod2

Texas-South Chapter Leaders-Retired
I will see. I have a call out for an appointment. The lady called this morning, said she would be calling again later today. 1712 now and no call and no appointment. Really need it bad due to throwing my back out. Makes for a sore day.

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CaptnJohn

Active Member
I will see. I have a call out for an appointment. The lady called this morning, said she would be calling again later today. 1712 now and no call and no appointment. Really need it bad due to throwing my back out. Makes for a sore day.

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The 2 emergency rooms I'm aware of have been turned into 12 hour ( 8 to 8) emergency visit operations. For a real emergency go to a civilian emergency room but if you need to see a doctor quickly they will take care of you. Closest one to me is 45 minutes. Also, every primary care doc at every clinic has a period for a 'discretionary' appointment. Sometimes you need to be the squeaky wheel. If things are not going well call the patient advocate at the hospital you are or your clinic is associated with. Recently my primary was unable to come in. All his appointments were called and rescheduled ~ every one was rescheduled within 13 days. They can find time when needed.
 

2psnapod2

Texas-South Chapter Leaders-Retired
Once I get the appointment, I will call and see if they can get me in earlier. Right now I don't even know if they will get on scheduled. And what Doctor. As I am basically a migrant worker and never really been in this area before. We will see.

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Doublegranch

Mountain Region Director-Retired
From my point of View! The Tucson VA has been the best medical treatment that you could want. They have taken care of me in every way with expense and treatment "NEVER" an issue, whether inside or outside the VA Facility. If you are 100%, you don't need to worry about the card...they will handle the expense for any emergency life threatening issue you could imagine at no cost to the Veteran. Even pay for the air or helicopter
flight to the nearest emergency hospital. You only need to advise them you are 100% VA and no other insurance. The VA will pay for all treatment until they can get you into a VA facility. I have never had a problem getting a Doctor appointment or an emergency treatment!!!!

I have a number of issues, I do not care to share from Viet Nam and there is never an issue! For those who have problems, I feel bad for, but if you are 100% you are on the top of the list for what ever
you need. All facets in this dream life we experience can in our mind require improvement, but for my point of view....The VA is a quality facility and I have no "NONE" issue with them.
 

CaptnJohn

Active Member
I'm 40%, far from 100% but if in your shoes I would call and ask if they have a walk in doctor and if not tell them I'm on my way anyway. Montgomery may even have a 24/7 emergency room. [h=3]CAVHCS-West Campus[/h] 215 Perry Hill Road
Montgomery, AL 36109
334-272-4670 | 800-214-8387
 

2psnapod2

Texas-South Chapter Leaders-Retired
But even getting a rating for my issues. I have a few rated at 0% and a long list of one's that are under appeal. With never having a physical being the major issue. Long story there.
 

CaptnJohn

Active Member
The VFW, American Legion, Red Cross, and most counties have someone to handle claims and appeals. Some lawyers make a living doing the same. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) does a great job. Unlike many at the other locations the service officers are not volunteers, they are disabled vets and they have a lot of training in their career. You don't even have to be a member. There is a service officer in many VA hospitals but one can be reached by phone. These guys care and they are extremely good. If you had someone else represent you with out or with little success, get the DAV involved. No cost and if you can, donate to them so they continue to be able to provide the highest level of assistance.
 

2psnapod2

Texas-South Chapter Leaders-Retired
I have worked with the DAV from the start, but an appeal takes up to 4 years. And with my job, gate guarding. I am not always able to keep bugging them.
 

avvidclif

Well-known member
I first started my claim with VA using DAV. IMHO they were worthless. They couldn't be reached on the phone, getting to see them required getting to the hosp by 7 to get on the waiting list, just to talk about your case. After over a year with nothing happening except an exam and claim denied I walked across the foyer to the Veterans Service Officer. In 10 min I was talking to him. I had all my paperwork and he read thru it. In abt a week I had a hearing scheduled for 2 months later. After the hearing my denial was reversed and I got my VA card and a small disability.

Based on my experience I would never go the DAV again.
 
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