Submitted by ikorrellim on September 13, 2004 - 3:20am.
Donerail:
Everyone was always listed in a category...service-connected, and amount of disability and also non service connected. Because of Bush's recent policies, they are now taking everyone on a priority basis and the non service connected could soon be cut out of the VA system, especially with the influx of new Vets from Iraq that are service connected. Service connected Vets 50% or more do not have to pay a co-pay or any part of their visit. Inpatients, service and non service connected do not pay any of their medical expenses while in hospital. Co-pay has gone from 2.00 a prescription to 7.00 a prescription. General doctor visits are 15.00 and specialty visits are 50.00. I am non service connected and have Blue Cross Blue Shield with the government. However, even with VA benefits and Blue Cross Blue Shield, I still have to pay some money to the VA...I think it averages out to about 1,000 a year total that I owe after Blue Cross/Blue Shield pays. Also, as you know, the VA (which Medicare should be allowed to do) buy their medicines in bulk, therefore, are able to get a substantial savings.
About 18 months ago, all new vets applying for benefits were told there was a waiting list...we are bursting at the seams. It is possible in the future, with all the service connected vets seeking treatment that I will be asked to leave the system, since I am not service connected. This is not the contract that veterans signed...Bush is cutting the VA benefits, don't let their half truths fool you...
Also, if one makes a certain amount of money, then the vet pays...Those at a lower rate of income do not pay...those who make more money pay, now there are those that the Bush administration are saying make TOO MUCH MONEY, therefore, they are not welcome at the VA...even though they are veterans...I guess they are being punished for coming back from serving their country and then making some money...
Everyone was always listed in a category...service-connected, and amount of disability and also non service connected. Because of Bush's recent policies, they are now taking everyone on a priority basis and the non service connected could soon be cut out of the VA system, especially with the influx of new Vets from Iraq that are service connected. Service connected Vets 50% or more do not have to pay a co-pay or any part of their visit. Inpatients, service and non service connected do not pay any of their medical expenses while in hospital. Co-pay has gone from 2.00 a prescription to 7.00 a prescription. General doctor visits are 15.00 and specialty visits are 50.00. I am non service connected and have Blue Cross Blue Shield with the government. However, even with VA benefits and Blue Cross Blue Shield, I still have to pay some money to the VA...I think it averages out to about 1,000 a year total that I owe after Blue Cross/Blue Shield pays. Also, as you know, the VA (which Medicare should be allowed to do) buy their medicines in bulk, therefore, are able to get a substantial savings.
About 18 months ago, all new vets applying for benefits were told there was a waiting list...we are bursting at the seams. It is possible in the future, with all the service connected vets seeking treatment that I will be asked to leave the system, since I am not service connected. This is not the contract that veterans signed...Bush is cutting the VA benefits, don't let their half truths fool you...
Also, if one makes a certain amount of money, then the vet pays...Those at a lower rate of income do not pay...those who make more money pay, now there are those that the Bush administration are saying make TOO MUCH MONEY, therefore, they are not welcome at the VA...even though they are veterans...I guess they are being punished for coming back from serving their country and then making some money...