Category Archives: Guest authors

Arizona Veteran receiving non-VA emergency care screwed by private hospital and the VA

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Laura

When a veteran is enrolled in VA, and Medicare (original or Medicare Advantage), and then is rushed to a non-VA hospital in an emergency (as advised by the VA), what is supposed to happen? Is he responsible for the portion … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News, Medicare for VETS, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, vA news, VA+ Social Security | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Poor VHA business practices hurt all veterans

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Laura

In 2012, OIG determined that the VHA had mismanaged its Medical Care Collections Fund (MCCF) program.  They write:  VHA is authorized to bill third-party health insurance for covered health care provided to veterans at VA and non-VA medical facilities. The MCCF program … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Another strategy for getting veteran-related questions answered clearly

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Laura

I’ve often been impressed with the clarity of reports written by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) at the Library of Congress (LOC).  I had a few questions about Health Care for Veterans: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions  (2/24/14) and sent an … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Veterans’ Day Greetings

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Laura

My hubby’s late brother served in Vietnam in the Army Corps of Engineers. After the war, he worked in construction operating heavy equipment–hard work.  He ALWAYS took Veterans’ Day off.  To celebrate, he went to his favorite bar and enjoyed … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Veterans Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Focused VA dental care for Class III and Class VI veterans

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Laura

This post is a follow-up to July post, HCV infection and veterans’ oral health.  Can we decipher this VA-speak together? The Fact Sheet, Dental Benefits for Veterans (IB 10-442, February 2014) lists the eligibility for different veterans by class.  These classes are described in VHA … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Risks (documented), Medical News, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mileage exception for “geographically challenged” veterans in NH, Alaska & Hawaii

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Laura

When I first read about the 40-mile distance from place of residence as the standard for the Veterans Choice Act, I assumed, as did many, that meant 40-miles from a VA hospital.  Wrong! …Veterans may qualify based on their place … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Veterans’ Choice Card program’s new contractors

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Laura

Finding official information about the implementation of the Veterans’ Choice Cards and call centers has been frustrating but I can now report that Tri-West and Health Net have been hired to administer the program.  Health Net’s press release, Tri-West’s press release, … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Medical News, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Virgina veterans eager for any information about the Veterans’ Choice Card

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Laura

Hampton (VA) professional investigative reporter for 10 On Your Side (WAVY-TV), Chris Horne, has done a nice video report (10/27/14) on the Veterans’ Choice Card and the need for it.  Hampton Roads is of course home to the Naval Station … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, VA Health Care, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Post-9/11 veterans and a look-back to 9/11/01 and 9/11/12

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Laura

I’ve been reading about younger veterans.  One nonpartisan organization, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), has released a very modest set of questions this cohort should ask candidates before the upcoming mid-term elections.  Like Vietnam veterans, this group … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Gulf War Issues, Medical News, VA Medical Mysteries Explained | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

VHA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Laura

If climbing into a tub to take a shower is a perilous activity, installing a low-threshold shower is a sensible preventative measure to reduce injuries as these VA before and after photos illustrate.  Clearly the cost of such alterations is prohibitive … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid and Attendance, All about Veterans, Guest authors, Gulf War Issues, HISA Grants, VR&E | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments