Posted on Oct 19, 2017
Have you been stuck with Medical Bills as a Veteran?
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Please send me your stories about healthcare debt you've been stuck with as a result of the VA, First Choice, or because you family members weren't covered by the VA (only you). I want to gther as much information as possible. Thank you COL Burroughs
RIP Medical Debt
Healthcare
Veterans Choice
What Would You Do
Edited 7 y ago
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 40
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Interesting subject! I’ve been going to an acupuncture doctor for a year now. When I approached my Primary care, because of the newer guidance on Opioids, I asked if the VA would pick up my costs. Was told they would do 12 visits to a doctor within their system.
And I asked what good that would do if I’ve been going twice a week for the past twelve months. I stated that’s a tease for the other 3/4 of the year. I then stated you want me off the drugs, full time which are pain management, but you only want to pay for acupuncture pain management for 1/4 of the year - yeah, makes sense to me too Doc! So out of money there -$600 a month.
Needed orthotics and the VA sent me to get some through their contracted podiatrist. Had a foot mold - looks like a canoe! Took those into the Accupuncture doctor and showed him. We took a 3-D scan of my feet, (the worst he had ever seen in his career), sent off and $400+ later, I get some hi-tech orthotics that actually do what they are supposed to do!
At times the VA is God’s joke on me, I swear!
I cannot say I haven’t had some great doctors, as I have, but I have had some folks that I have completely disagreed with! My overall costs since being retired have been minimal over the past 17 years - so I won’t complain with any real discomfort level. So though I am not happy with my current situation, I’d still give the VA a 7/10 overall (other issues at-hand dropping their score!)
And I asked what good that would do if I’ve been going twice a week for the past twelve months. I stated that’s a tease for the other 3/4 of the year. I then stated you want me off the drugs, full time which are pain management, but you only want to pay for acupuncture pain management for 1/4 of the year - yeah, makes sense to me too Doc! So out of money there -$600 a month.
Needed orthotics and the VA sent me to get some through their contracted podiatrist. Had a foot mold - looks like a canoe! Took those into the Accupuncture doctor and showed him. We took a 3-D scan of my feet, (the worst he had ever seen in his career), sent off and $400+ later, I get some hi-tech orthotics that actually do what they are supposed to do!
At times the VA is God’s joke on me, I swear!
I cannot say I haven’t had some great doctors, as I have, but I have had some folks that I have completely disagreed with! My overall costs since being retired have been minimal over the past 17 years - so I won’t complain with any real discomfort level. So though I am not happy with my current situation, I’d still give the VA a 7/10 overall (other issues at-hand dropping their score!)
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A story I saw in the news from earlier this year.
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/vet-says-he-nearly-operated-on-himself-when-va-wouldnt-pay-medical-bill/520957865
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/vet-says-he-nearly-operated-on-himself-when-va-wouldnt-pay-medical-bill/520957865
Vet says he nearly operated on himself when VA wouldn't pay medical bill
A New Hampshire veteran was nearly forced to operate on himself after he says the Department Veterans Affairs refused to pay his medical bill.
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Scott Patton
10. Men and women in the armed forces are nearly twice as likely to file complaints about debt collection than the general population, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Of the roughly 19,200 complaints from servicemembers the CFPB received last year, about 8,900 were related to debt collection. In 2015, medical debt concerns comprised 13 percent of servicemember debt collection complaints, with a majority of the medical debt complaints coming from the veteran population.
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-statistics-and-findings-on-medical-debt.html
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-statistics-and-findings-on-medical-debt.html
10 statistics and findings on medical debt
As patients take on more responsibility for their healthcare costs, many experience problems paying their medical bills. This has serious repercussions on their daily lives, including postponing care, and can lead to mounting medical debt.
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PO1 Martin Findley
I have actually removed brown recluse puss sacks from my person, twice now, as to avoid going to the VA and them telling me they couldn't help me.
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SInce I am retired, I have never had to deal with this nightmare. For those who have, I pray, one day there will be a program that recognizes medical problems, service related, may not manifest for years. Veteran's should be able to have these ills evaluated and treated as necessary at no cost to the veteran. I would like to see a program that covers spouses who also suffer from mental problems related to serving as a military spouse.
There are about 22 million veterans...the dog that barks the loudest gets the most attention. Veterans united are a force that cannot be ignored when large numbers start barking.
There are about 22 million veterans...the dog that barks the loudest gets the most attention. Veterans united are a force that cannot be ignored when large numbers start barking.
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