How much do you avail yourself of your nearest VA?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 17:54:17 -0400

Response by PO2 Marty Sharpe made Jul 8 at 2017 6:27 PM

PO2 Marty Sharpe — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 18:27:29 -0400

None

Response by MSgt Jason McClish made Jul 8 at 2017 9:29 PM

MSgt Jason McClish — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 21:29:12 -0400

None, I'm still on active duty.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Jul 9 at 2017 10:27 AM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 10:27:54 -0400

Zero! When I retired 27 years ago, I was had to attend a retirement seminar, and they informed me that even though I would get a retirement dental and medical physical, I should check in with the VA for another physical. I did that, and they gave me a physical, and told me I had no service disabilities and was shown the door. I never went back.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 9 at 2017 11:30 AM

1LT William Clardy — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 11:30:35 -0400

Chalk up another zero-usage.
As long as I can afford to pay for my own medical care, I'll decline using other people's money. Having to actually pay for something forces me to decide what is (or isn't) worth spending the money. I've noticed (especially in the medical field) that people are much less likely to ask if it's worth it when they don't see the price tag before they decide.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 9 at 2017 12:10 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 09 Jul 2017 12:10:51 -0400

None, zilch, nada. I have no Service-related disability. I passed an AF Flight Physical about 6 months before I retired. We have good medical treatment available in the civilian health care system in the St Louis metro area. World Class hospitals and physicians such as Barnes-Jewish-Childrens and Washington University Medical School. After retirement I worked in the public sector for a company that provided generous health care benefits. For many years I didn't use TRICARE except for prescription drugs. After about 10 years, the company encouraged military retirees to use TRICARE standard and a supplement for which the company paid 80%, so I went that way. When the DoD told Government contractors they couldn't do that (pay for a supplement) the company had to cut out that benefit. We went back to company health plan. After I went to work for the Army, I chose to use TRICARE and purchase a MOAA Supplement because it was cheaper than the least expensive health care option under the Federal Employees Health Insurance program.

Finally, I hit age 65 and started MEDICARE and TRICARE for life. This is the best deal going! TRICARE pays for the percent MEDICARE doesn't. TRICARE mail-order prescription service is reasonably priced.

Just never had a reason to visit the VA Hospital in St Louis and probably won't.