VA Emergency Room Eligibility- ?? New Info.
Made a couple phone calls to the VA (Mountain Home, Johnson City, TN.)
Explained my situation. "Lost my job last week, no healthcare, no income," Honorably discharged, vallid DD-214 in my possesion. Fell and badly hurt my knee yesterday. Can I come in to the Emergency Room and be seen?
Was told "No, You either had to be injured on Active Duty or be 65 years of age or older. "
I asked him "So you are telling me the only way I can be seen at the VA is to have been hurt on Active Duty, or be 65+ years old? "
Yes, that is correct. I told him "That did not sound right, are you sure?" Started stuttering, then started to read something that had nothing to do with the situation I was describing. Sounded like he did not know what he was talking about.
Hung up, and called our local VSO (Veterans Service Officer.) Explained the situation. They also agreed "That does not sound right, let me take some info. and make some calls."
Thats where it was left.
Does this sound right to you??
Explained my situation. "Lost my job last week, no healthcare, no income," Honorably discharged, vallid DD-214 in my possesion. Fell and badly hurt my knee yesterday. Can I come in to the Emergency Room and be seen?
Was told "No, You either had to be injured on Active Duty or be 65 years of age or older. "
I asked him "So you are telling me the only way I can be seen at the VA is to have been hurt on Active Duty, or be 65+ years old? "
Yes, that is correct. I told him "That did not sound right, are you sure?" Started stuttering, then started to read something that had nothing to do with the situation I was describing. Sounded like he did not know what he was talking about.
Hung up, and called our local VSO (Veterans Service Officer.) Explained the situation. They also agreed "That does not sound right, let me take some info. and make some calls."
Thats where it was left.
Does this sound right to you??
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Your going to go in for your knee and they will pull your gallbladder 
OK
Do you want to go to a VA hospital or a regular Hospital and have the VA pay for it. I think they Cap the pay for a ER visit at 70% of medicare.
I hate to say this but you may want to apply for Medicade until you find a Job.
Read this carefully:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/0 -
I know nothing for a certainty but I'd be willing to bet if you just showed up you'd be seen....
Many years ago, but I have nothing bad to say about the VA. I was between jobs, broke my leg. They took care of me, they even sent a home nurse twice a week. She took good care of me, I got washed and serviced.:)0 -
This doesn't sound correct. Although some don't like the VA, my father in law received very good care from his local VA. Don;t give up on it. Also, you can sign up for COBRA benefits within 30 days from your date of separation. I just started COBRA last month and it is more expensive than what I was paying through the company but not a ridiculous amount. Still less than the price for comparable coverage on the government exchanges. Hope you get you knee looked at and on the way to recovery. 0 -
The VA website has online application. It also has a national VA crisis help line that you may want to check out. It looks like if you qualify for Medicaid then it helps your chances of getting VA benefits. At least my suggestions will give you something to do while you stay off your feet and not make the knee worse. Bob0 -
Are you signed up with and in the VA health care system now?
I didn't bother for years after discharged as the closest facility was over 200 miles away. Maybe 15 years ago there was a VA clinic that opened nearby so went and signed up. Had VA care ever since (excellent care) plus recently have gone to a local private facility, paid for the by VA thanks to President Trump's modification of the VA Choice Program.
If you never signed into the VA health care system, there were/are certain enrollment times when you could sign up and if you didn't, some I know say they cannot get VA health care now even tho they have a DD214 and honorably discharged.
Politicians write the laws and they are confusing to say the least. A lawyer once said before I became a lawyer, I could say yes or no. Now that I am a lawyer, I can only say maybe!
Not happy with what you have been told by your Veterans Service Officer....contact your congressperson and they will get something done or tell you whatever.0 -
My money is on your health ins. From your previous employer does not actually end until the end of the month.
I would exhaust that option first and be certain (not take the HR guys word for it).
Best of luck0 -
gotta agree with warbird, it should go to end of month, there are certain restrictions to VA coverage, had to be in from certain time to certain time, be in warzone, and others you need to go to your local VA representative ours is in local courthouse and fill out application papers, he/she should be able to tell you more, or go online and apply, I would rather talk to a live human being than the computer. good luck 0 -
Warbirds wrote:My money is on your health ins. From your previous employer does not actually end until the end of the month.
I would exhaust that option first and be certain (not take the HR guys word for it).
Best of luck
+1
The HR department doesn't have your best interests in mind.0 -
it may be worth a call to you health insurance office itself, definatly worth a few minutes of your time........ 0 -
Sounds about right to me.
They sent me out of state for a service connected issue then refused to pay a single penny because it was out of state.
I had to withdraw thousands from my retirement fund to pay the bills!
Some people claim to get great service from VA but my motto is, F-em!!!!!!
My advice is beware.
Get everything in writing and get it from at least 2 sources.
Good luck.
Please read this:
https://www.roanoke.com/news/virginia/veteran-s-suicide-draws-attention-to-veterans-affairs-use-of/article_a07a3527-0f33-5cca-9cb5-a5d198b8f193.html0 -
one other outlet may be your homeowners Ken, I know it covers other folks getting hurt on your property, not sure about yourself, call your agent, the deductable would still be cheaper than having to cover the whole bill. 0 -
Just got to tbe VA Emergency room, getting checked in with my DD214.
VSO called me back within 30-45 minutes. Said "That guy did not know what he was talking about." Take your DD214 and go to the emergency room. They will see you."
Long drive with my 90 year old Mom, and her 87 year old Sister. ( My Aunt.)
Wish me luck.
If this does not end in Surgery, I will be shocked.0 -
Good luck 0 -
After this is over, do get fully enrolled with the VA. You damn well earned it, and their services can be excellent. 0 -
Good advice Rocky.
I don't use the VA hospital but its there if I need it.0 -
My VA doc told me that they'd cover expenses even when Moldycare and Tricare won't, such as if I'm on a cruise and get sick in Jamaica or somewhere. So it's insurance on top of insurance. 0 -
This particular VA has always rceived accolades for their Service, care and Staff.
They are wheeling me out of the Emergency room, sending me down to Enrollment and eligibility, to explain my job loss and no insurance.
New info. I made too much $$ last year to qualify for being seen today. It will be out of pocket.
I will fill out new paperwork in Jan. Which they gave me. If the job/health insurance situation does not change, I will qualify. May even see some reimbursemnt for any medical expenses I have to pay out of pocket from now untl then.
Back up to the ER.0 -
True. They are to some degree means tested. I have to pay something like $50 per visit due to retirement income. Peanuts. 0 -
I understand the fear of medical debt and creditors hounding you...
But my understanding of the law is that the hospital and emergency room must admit you and assess you and treat you or stabilize you regardless of income or insurance or country of origin...
If it's not life threatening they may give you some aspirin and send you home - but they are afraid that if they deny service and don't diagnose you correctly - that you might die and they may get sued...
And all hospitals have a charity care office and financial or accounting office that may be helpful...
I am so sorry to here that your workplace injury from the morning before you were walked out has flared up...
Just food for thought - no criticism.
Mike0 -
mrmike08075 wrote:
I am so sorry to here that your workplace injury from the morning before you were walked out has flared up...
Just food for thought - no criticism.
Mike
My former workplace would deny it to the hilt. You have to document through Safety anytime you even thi k you were hurt. They usually then make you go to the Hospital to get checked out, injury verified.
I do appreciate the "Homeowners Insurance" avenue since you were hurt on your property. Something to explore.0 -
Ken, sent you a PM. If it didn't come thru let me know. 0 -
Looks like (for now) its gonna blood work to check on kidney function before receiving Steroid shots and NSAID, with a knee immobilizer/crutches - until I can be seen by their Orthopedic dept. at a future date.
I've got to say, I have NEVER been treated this nicely at ANY Hospital I have been to. Everybody has been remarkable.0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:Looks like (for now) its gonna blood work to check on kidney function before receiving Steroid shots and NSAID, with a knee immobilizer/crutches - until I can be seen by their Orthopedic dept. at a future date.
I've got to say, I have NEVER been treated this nicely at ANY Hospital I have been to. Everybody has been remarkable.
Hope your experience continues to be good. This is important because as you join the Old Fart Club, you will get to see them more often than you can imagine. Bob0 -
Tell them you jumped over the fence to get here to the US.
They will move you to the front of the line and will not say no.0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:Looks like (for now) its gonna blood work to check on kidney function before receiving Steroid shots and NSAID, with a knee immobilizer/crutches - until I can be seen by their Orthopedic dept. at a future date.
I've got to say, I have NEVER been treated this nicely at ANY Hospital I have been to. Everybody has been remarkable.
Glad it worked out.0 -
Real sorry to hear of these troubles you are having Ken. Please don't get discouraged, as it is very easy to get into a negative mindset when you are dealing with pain issues. Remember back when you were working your ass off 6 days a week and had no time to get yourself registered into the VA care system. Now my friend, you have the time to do so!
You will not regret having what you did for our country paying you back with a free or very low cost out of pocket healthcare plan!
I'll pray for your knee problem also. You just relax and let some time come for the healing to start!0 -
Ken, went across the Hudson to Castle Point about 10 years ago or so with my hunting pard and got our cards. I could see that I would fail their means test and it was very depressing to see the guys that needed help so bad. I would not give them any of my financial info. My pard made up half the stuff and he is in the loop. Next week I take my friend over and he gets examined for hearing aids. Oh yes, after I applied for card they claimed I was never there. (took almost a whole day) I threatened to call my Congressman and a week later they found my records in Baltimore. Sounds like you will get some help if you can hang on and be patient. Easy for me to say when you are the one hurting so bad. Hope things work out for you. 0 -
Leaving Physical medicine where they fitted me with a full leg immobilizer and crutches. Instant relief, having the knee immobilized. Got my Steroid shot, headed to the pharmacy for some NSAIDS, and out of here. Orthopedic appointment forthcoming after giving it a few days to see if any improvement.
They realize I am "Out of Pocket," and nexr tests if needed are around $3-5K. Trying not to do that to me unless absolutely necessary.
I was very impressed with the level of care and compassion.0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:
I was very impressed with the level of care and compassion.
I was skeptical my first time or two, but I like you have had nothing but utmost respect for folks who work there and the work they perform, hope you get to feeling better and can nurse it along without any further medical assistance, or at least till you can get in the system.0 -
Yes, any ER must treat anyone with an emergency if they are capable of treating their problem. But, don't use the word "admit", because you need insurance or cash to get admitted to most hospitals or get outpatient services. They only need to take care of your immediate problem. If you are bleeding, they will stitch you up. If you are diabetic, they will stabilize your blood sugar. If you need chemo & radiotherapy for your cancer, they will give you some pills & wheel you out to the curb. Many hospitals have closed their ER's, because they just can't afford to keep them running.
Your DD-214 doesn't get you anything by itself. You have to go through the process, & get certified for specific levels of care from the VA. The rules have changed many times, but once you are certified, you won't get down graded. The law doesn't set the rules, VA regulations do. Your income or need doesn't determine your level of service.
If you receive VA benefits every month, certain benefits may be cut off if your current earnings are too high. (They get a file containing the earnings of VA beneficiaries every year from Social Security.)
Neal0
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