Health Care Benefits for Veterans

The U.S. government promises a lifetime ofthe performance of many hospitals on a location
guaranteed healthcare for veterans, in recognitionby location basis, the VA results are not provided
of their service to our nation in the armed forces.for each location. Many Veterans do find their VA
What do the promises mean? This site provideshealth care services satisfactory.
an overview of the benefits, the barriers toEligibility is limited. If you are a veteran and have
obtaining benefits, and how to determine whetherservice connected disabilities, are catastrophically
VA health care is for you. Health Care Benefitsdisabled, or destitute, you may be eligible to
Offered to Veteransaccess benefits. Congress has restricted access
Veterans Administration facilities offer a widethat was promised to all. In this regard, while
range of services to millions of patients.World War I veterans were afforded full eligibility,
Outpatient Care at VA Facilities: Primary careour Congress has segregated defenders of the
visits for a $15 copyayment and preventativeConstitution eight separate classes. Eligibility in
care services with no copayment required forsome cases can now depend not on whether the
health fairs, outpatient visit for preventiveveteran served honorably in conflict, but on
screening and/or immunizations, laboratorywhether paperwork was filled out prior to January
services, flat film radiology services, and17, 2003.
electrocardiograms.Prescription drugs offered are often second rate.
Medication for approved: Most veterans areThe VA listing of approved drugs excludes many
currently charged $7 for a 30-day or less supplymodern prescriptions. Patients often prefer to use
of medication.Barriers to Using Veterans Healthdrugs that are recognized as superior, and so do
Care BenefitsWhile millions are served, thesenot accept the VA drug formulary. How Can I
represent a mere fraction of eligible veterans.Get My Veterans Health Care Benefits?
Why do many seek other avenues for healthIf you satisfy the current narrow qualifications,
care?e.g., you are destitute, severely disabled, or have
won the Medal of Honor (there has been only one
Congress talks about supporting Veterans yetsuch recipient from the Iraq conflict, and he gave
prefers to fund pork. In 2005, Congresshis life in the action), you can fill out a form. Most
demonstrated its disdain for Veterans by refusingveterans must complete VA Form 10-10EZ,
to fund promised benefits, and at the same timeApplication for Health Benefits. link you do not
approving $220 million in funding for Alaskansatisfy the narrow conditions, you are one of
"bridges to nowhere."millions.Do Any Congress Members Support
Services primarily are delivered at a limitedStrong Veterans Benefits?
number of VA facilities that are not accessible by
many. Congress has been asked to allowMany Congress members support our troops.
Veterans access to public and private hospitals,Veterans could benefit from establishing lobbying
yet it declines to do so.as the sugar cane growers do. Interested parties
Quality of Care is a Question Mark. Perceivedcan contact their Congressmen and ask them to
quality varies by location. While the Federalsupport our troops by funding fully the promise of
Department of Health and Human Services listshealth care.