What year was the income requirement instated to go to VA.
The reason I ask is because I went in 1987 and treated,(well, not really), and have a VA form 10-2382 signed by an mas that says I was seen on 1-9-87, and yet the VA says there is no record I was ever there.
So now I have to meet income requirements, but if I was there long ago, I wouldn't have to meet income requirements.
On January 8, 2003 the rules changed. Priority Group 8 was created and I was then excluded from VA Healthcare, as well as all other over income non service connected veterans who were then out of the active treatment system. The decision was made by the current Administration. It is under the theory that non service connected veterans should (help) pay their own way. Meanwhile elected federal politicians who are not veterans, still have treatment at Walter Reed and VA Medical Centers when needed.
I am an Air Force Vet on midicare and tri-care 4 life. I recently went to the VA Hospital emergency room in Fayetteville, Arkansas, following complications for back surgery in Oklahoma. I went to the VA because my brother and friends had been going there and were very satisfied, and I could not get in two other hospitals due to overcrowding with illegals. i must say the medical staff there was very profesional and competent. The admitting staff however was anything but! They took copies of my medicare and tri-care cards and never said a word about income requirements or not filing with medicare. I soon received a bill for $1012.00. for one day stay. After much discussion I was told they could not file with medicare and WOULD NOT participate with tri-care, even after tri-care sent them a letter statilng they would pay the entire bill if they would only bill them. The bill must come from the hospital since it was for in-hospital care. I have contacted one Senator and two congressmem about this injustice and have gotten no help. I was threatened with garnishment of wages if I did not agree to pay this off within one year. Yes they can garnish your wages without going to court! I'll keep you posted if I ever get any help.
PS : Remember, the income requirement is combined household income. ED
I tried two time to send the bill to tri care and they sent it back for the reason I indicated. I called the VA regional office and the VA in DC. The lady in DC was very rude and told me flatly the VA would not participate with tri-care. She also stated she gets these calls on a regular basis, and it is just tough luck! I even tried the chairman of the VA armed services comittee and he stated it was a standing rule to allow the representatives in the respective district to handle the situation. Ed
I assume you retired some time ago. Until two years ago you were not required to enroll in Medicare Part B. Having said that, have you received that notice from DOD and if so. did you enroll or did you opt out? Tricare for Life, also assumes you are over 65? In any case, you need to contact CMS (Administrator for Medicare) because they are the PRIMARY insurer and Tricare is the secondary, thus, you cannot file with Tricare first, it must go through Medicare. If you sort out this misunderstanding then payments to the right entity will be forthcoming and hopefully you won't have to experience any more stress. Wishing you and yours well. A Veteran in Arms Freddy
I'm glade you got care. I'v had to wait 3 months to get an appontment at V.A. in Marion IL.. I just need a prescription filled. After getting an appontment I was called and put off again for an other month
