For those using the VA

[Great-Kazoo]

As your primary, or only health ins. What's your pro's and con's to carrying VA as the only healthcare coverage? I'm considering dropping my regular ins and going VA for coverage.

I'm running a secondary since the VA seems to outsource their specialist care. But it seems (around here) even with a regular health ins pkge, it takes a few to see any specialist.

[rfenster]

I would still keep some Medicare coverage in case you wind up being treated or staying someplace else.

My father-in-law is living at a VA facility in town (and he loves it there) but we still keep Medicare for him--when he needs medical attention usually winds up at UC Health first, since the VA doesn't have the same level emergency room that UC Health has.

[Bailey Guns]

So far I haven't found any downsides to the VA compared to other health insurance or facilities other than the distance to the nearest VA Hospital. When I need something the local outpatient clinic can't handle they always give me the option of getting treatment at the OKC VA hospital or thru community care. I absolutely hate the way community care handles things...takes forever to get referrals. But eventually I get what I need. Even then, when I get to the civilian hospital or clinic I always have to wait. And it's usually just as far away as the VA hospital. I've just stopped using community care and go the VA hospital almost exclusively.

When my wife goes to see her doctor she sometimes has to wait over an hour to get in. I have never had to wait more than 5 mins after my appt time to get in at a VA facility...and even that's rare. I'm only 62 so I'm not eligible for Medicare yet. But unless something changes I'm not signing up for it. If I'm away from home or a VA facility and need emergency care I can go to any hospital without prior approval so it's no big deal.

As far as I'm concerned VA is as good as any other provider and better than a lot I see.

[StagLefty]

FYI Bailey look into the medicare sign up because I believe that if you wait until after your eligibility date I think they tack onto your premium a late sign up fee. I waited about 6 months after my sign up and they tacked on $1 a month, it goes up the longer you wait.

[KevDen2005]

As your primary, or only health ins. What's your pro's and con's to carrying VA as the only healthcare coverage? I'm considering dropping my regular ins and going VA for coverage.

I'm running a secondary since the VA seems to outsource their specialist care. But it seems (around here) even with a regular health ins pkge, it takes a few to see any specialist.

What are the requirements to qualify for VA insurance and what is the cost?

[HBARleatherneck]

If you have VA (and you meet specific requirements), they pay for care in the community. Including emergency care. Certain geographic areas meet the community care requirements. Usually those areas are more rural or just have a lack of VA facilities that can handle things. If your provider at the VA sends you to community care, that will be covered.

Unlike Baileys experience, if I need a referral to a Non VA facility its very fast. My Primary Care Provider just puts in the referral, within a couple of days the Regional office calls asking when I want an appointment. They set it up for me or the non VA facility calls and sets up the appointment.

Much of peoples experience with the VA comes down to their attitude and expectations. Primarily thought its probably based on the demographics of you area as well as how large the population is using the system.


I have never had any issues. (except once when they sent me to Denver 20 years ago)

[Great-Kazoo]

What are the requirements to qualify for VA insurance and what is the cost?

Have to be a veteran, no other people are accepted. As for Cost, if a veteran, you sign up, get a VA health card and you're in.

If you have VA (and you meet specific requirements), they pay for care in the community. Including emergency care. Certain geographic areas meet the community care requirements. Usually those areas are more rural or just have a lack of VA facilities that can handle things. If your provider at the VA sends you to community care, that will be covered.

Unlike Baileys experience, if I need a referral to a Non VA facility its very fast. My Primary Care Provider just puts in the referral, within a couple of days the Regional office calls asking when I want an appointment. They set it up for me or the non VA facility calls and sets up the appointment.

Much of peoples experience with the VA comes down to their attitude and expectations. Primarily thought its probably based on the demographics of you area as well as how large the population is using the system.


I have never had any issues. (except once when they sent me to Denver 20 years ago)

Down here, it's all community care. Whether it's thru a private provider, or VA, average time for approval is 1-2 weeks. Regarding attitude, for some reason my "care team" likes me.

Must be the shirts i wear. Like ASK ME ABOUT SHARK WEEK, Etc. I'm the one who says, when ever you have time let me know. That attitude seems to get me sent to where needed faster than others.

[Bailey Guns]

What are the requirements to qualify for VA insurance and what is the cost?

Generally, all honorably discharged veterans are eligible but it's also means tested. If you have a service connected disability you'll qualify. Depending on income you may qualify for free health care or you may have to pay premiums or for part of the care. You can find out everything you need to know right here:

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/