Veterans: VA Offers Medical Benefits
If you are a military veteran, you’re probably entitled to prescription drugs through the Veterans Administration (VA) for no more than $7 for a 30-day supply. In some cases, they are free.
Unfortunately, this benefit has not been widely publicized, and many veterans are missing out.
“Our veterans earned VA health care, and we should make sure they get it,” said UAW Vice President Cal Rapson, who directs the union’s Veterans Affairs Department.
Rep. Ronnie Shows, D-Miss., recently revealed a memo from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the VA urging it not to advertise its services in order to keep its costs down.
The memo cites “a growing crisis related to the continued demand for health care services that exceeds our resources,” noting a 13.5 percent annual increase in users of VA health care services.
“I am shocked that high VA officials are ordering VA health care providers to keep VA health care a secret,” said Shows, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “Veterans put their lives on the line for our country. They didn’t ask for anything in return except for the government to keep the promises that were made to them.”
Veterans’ spouses, children and dependent parents may also be eligible.
VA health care enrollment more than doubled, from 2.9 million people in 1995 to 6.2 million in 2001. The solution, according to the memo, is to stop telling veterans about the health care services they have earned and to which they are entitled.
The memo orders a halt to any VA communication with veterans or the general public that would encourage qualified veterans to take advantage of the VA health care system.
Despite the Bush administration’s rebuff, qualified veterans are entitled to aid. Here are the requirements:
• You must have served full time in the military as a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration, or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Atmosphere.
• You must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
• You must get your medications from a VA facility.
More than 1,000 VA health facilities are available.
If you are a UAW member and wish to learn more about VA
health care, check with your local’s Veterans Committee.
Or fill out and submit Form 10-10 EZ, which you can
obtain by calling 877-222-VETS, or check www.va.gov/1010ez.htm
