If/When you retire, would you use the VA as your primary source? Why or why not?

2014-11-07T18:48:28-05:00

With all of the negative news on the Veterans Administration Health Care System, Would you use it as your primary? Give specific reasons as to why or why not? Is it because of the stigma attached to using it or what?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 7:24 PM

2014-11-07T19:24:18-05:00

SFC Drake, I retired in 2006, and I could have gone to the VA for some medical care, but my experience with the VA medical facility in Baltimore - compared to my experience at the military clinic on Fort Meade - was not good, so I have continued to use the Fort Meade military clinic (TRICARE) for medical care, and I don't regret that choice at all.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 7:25 PM

2014-11-07T19:25:20-05:00

You bring up a tough subject @sfc a.m. drake I can only give you a general idea based solely on my personal happenings. My experience with the VA have been both positive and negative. I've had appointments that took almost a year to obtain - but not any appointments that were life threatening, not even close. The VA just doesn't move quickly. You learn to adapt, adjust, overcome.... The doctors I have come across are all experts and care greatly for the veteran though some of the technicians I've met...not so much. I pay a small co-pay for medicines but it's only meds listed on the VA formulary - which is extremely limited. I don't qualify for VA Champus - which means my wife is not covered for anything.

On the flip side, I have Tricare Prime. I've used it. My wife uses it extensively. You pay your annual fee, plus your office co-pays and you deal with the Tricare formulary for medicine and the varied copays for same. The Tricare formulary seems to be more extensive. In Tricare you have a host of options - but you have to get permission to see any specialist - precisely like you do for the VA. The wait for care can be as long when compared one-on-one for the same care with either Tricare or VA, though sometimes Tricare responds quicker.

I use the VA for all care related to military injury, disabilites, etc. I won't go into great detail, but I'll say, that as a Service Officer with the VFW I've seen what happens when veterans DON'T use the VA and then try to get some sort of compensation - it can be nasty, plus you don't get re-imbursed for what you spent under Tricare or other medical insurance when you do get your disability claim approved.

Understand this...the VA is NOT insurance. VA healthcare does meet the ACA (Obama care) minimums so there's no requirement to get any form of insurance on the veteran. Free is good!

Since I don't qualify for Champus (VA) then I have to keep Tricare for the wife - but unfortunately if I am not on Tricare, the wife is not on Tricare. Hell of a system....

The good parts? I get to decide which doctor and which system I want to use. For instance, for annual physicals, shots, etc....I opt for the VA. For military related medical issues - VA healthcare... For anything else - I call / contact both primary care doctors and go with whichever one gets me in the door quicker.

Should you have specific questions....give me a holler.

Response by PO1 Autumn Sandeen made Nov 7 at 2014 8:36 PM

2014-11-07T20:36:48-05:00

I primarily use the San Diego VA as my primary medical provider, and have since I first qualified for care in 2001. The only time I've ever had bad experiences at the VA were because of how other patients treated me.

I have Tricare Standard and Medicare as well -- I'm one of Sen. Colbern's "evil" tripple-dippers. I have, and still do, access these for additional mental health therapy beyond what the VA is able to provide me.

I wouldn't look at your healthcare provider as an either/or situation, but as a multiple choice-choose all answers that apply situation. I'd consider using any and every medial resource you have to meet your medical needs met -- the VA will be better at some things and Tricare will be better at other things. So, access both as necessary to get the best care you need.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Nov 7 at 2014 9:46 PM

2014-11-07T21:46:06-05:00

Easy one for me. I'm not service connected and am over the means test for VA health care, so I can't use the VA.
Because of the nature of my work, I am very familiar with our local VAMC and if I were eligible, I would not hesitate to go there.
Of course, every individual, and every clinic and medical center are different.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 8 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-11-08T10:32:12-05:00

If they can clean up their act in the next 14 years, I may possible consider the option.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-11-08T11:27:29-05:00

Because I have insurance and a private doctor, I will go to him first. They are not constrained like a government health agency, thus the potential exists for bureaucratic entropy. In health care, bureaucracy is counterproductive.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Nov 8 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-11-08T12:15:27-05:00

No not at the present. As long as I can get private insurance I use it for 99% of care. The only VA times is to stay within the rules of my disability and when they tell me they want to see me.

Response by MSG John Melville made Nov 8 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-11-08T22:30:39-05:00

I use the VA hospital for military related illnesses and a personal physician for everything else. For the most part, The Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC provides good service with what they have. There has been a shortage of medical specialists and nurses.

I see my VA primary care provider every eight months or so and do not expect to be seen between times. I have learned through trial and error that if I become injured or ill between appointments to report to the VA hospital emergency room. I have waited over six months for an initial specialty appointment and about nine months on a podiatry surgical waiting list. This is just the nature of the beast.

The gruffest people I have experienced in the VA are the medical receptionists. This is seconded by veterans themselves, who will look past you in the hallways and won't speak when spoken too.

I have an overall favorable view of the VA medical system, with the understanding that the system is severely stressed by the veteran population and is still reeling from the VA medical scandal.

Response by CW4 Aaron Rasmussen made Nov 8 at 2014 11:33 PM

2014-11-08T23:33:08-05:00

My DAV representative did very well. Helped me through the process during my retirement process. I had a determination within 30 days after my retirement date. And that was before the VA did them electronically. Because of my rating, I could use the VA as my primary care provider. But wait times are kind of long - about 60 days. If I have something that can wait, I'll make an appointment and go see them. If I need help quickly, I'll go to a local civilian clinic that takes Tricare.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Nov 9 at 2014 12:30 AM

2014-11-09T00:30:07-05:00

Nope but it doesn't have anything to do with the news but that thre isn't one close to where I am going to retire. I will be paying for Tricare anyways so will just go with that.

Response by LCpl Richard J. Doulette made Nov 9 at 2014 8:04 AM

2014-11-09T08:04:10-05:00

I have had both positive and negative experiences with the VA. Mostly due to my own problems not affiliated with military service. I came into the service dealing with PTSD. I grew up as a wild child never learning the basics on how to live life in a healthy life style. Pain is a warning sign that you are doing something wrong. I dealt with pain all my life unfortunately I never learned how to do it in a effective manner. It wasn't until I found myself in a VA facility surrounded by Veterans that I learned how. It was the Veterans that taught me. Not the Staff on how to recognize the patterns and how to deal with them. So yes the VA helped me by associating me with others Vets. I had accumulated many problems in my life and it was with the guidance of many fellow Vets on who, how and when to address my problems. The staff at most of VA facilities never understood my problems having never experienced them except out of a book. So it was the affiliation that the VA gave me with other Veterans that healed me not the staff. Both my physical and mental well being had been addressed by both the VA and the guidance of Veterans on who and why some people are helpful who are not. I could go into a rant about this but there isn't enough space to type it all in here so I will keep it short.
The VA has it flaws. Like all institutions they can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people they deal with. You get lost in the traffic. They are there to help you and do just that to an extent. There are some incompetent pill pushing assholes who are burned out by the system and there are some who definitely care. But you have to ask a Vet who has been there and done that, to find out who is who. They have programs, groups and clinics to help but once again it is the guidance of Veterans that point out what works and what doesn't.

I am thankful to the VA for the affiliation of other Vets and programs they have, that have helped me. I am still alive to write about my opinions about it due to the system. If I had never used the system to better myself I wouldn't be writing this. It has been a long journey and hope to travel further down the road.
To sum things up the VA is a big organization filled with both competent and incompetent staff. It is the Vets using the system I mostly listen to in order to get good care.

Response by TSgt Gregg Palmer made Nov 9 at 2014 12:16 PM

2014-11-09T12:16:58-05:00

I'm retired Air Force and I have Tricare Prime so I go to the base hospital. I do have the option to go on Tricare Standard which gives you the option to go to any doctor that excepts it. I would only use the VA if that was all I had I've heard too many horror stories from my ex wife who works there.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 11 at 2014 7:36 AM

2014-11-11T07:36:34-05:00

Currently, I do utilize the VA as my primary care even though my family and I have TRICARE for retirees. The majority of my issues all have to do with service connected injuries and I feel this should be the place to be seen.

That said when I first relocated to the Orlando (Central Florida) area I had no issues obtaining appointments, being referred to specialists, and receiving care. In the last ten months or so, I have noted a change. I request an appointment and when I obtain it, it is a month or longer away. Then within a week or so of the appointment it is cancelled and rescheduled. I used to schedule appointments for my days off at work, but now I cannot as it is too challenging to obtain appointments.

I still have faith in the VA system, although I can see the strain it is under with the sheer numbers of VETS seeking and receiving treatment. The reason I continue to utilize the VA is an inherent feeling that this is where I should be treated. Sort of a Troop Medical Clinic on steroids. I feel this is a benefit earned and one which we should be able to use and obtain the treatments, evaluation, and assistance needed. If we stop, the system will too.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 8:44 AM

2014-11-11T08:44:27-05:00

I do not. In fact, I recently disenrolled, just so the VA didn't have to spend money communicating with me.

I am blessed with a great job with great benefits, and my wife an d I are in generally good health, and so we don't need the VA assistance. But it occurred to me that they were still spending money on me, money that could be going to help brothers and sisters who are less fortunate.

Response by MSG Willard Hunter made Nov 11 at 2014 10:23 PM

2014-11-11T22:23:42-05:00

I have been retired for 26 years. The VA has been my primary medical provider and I have only positive things to say about my health care. The only thing that went wrong with the VA was the VA clinic in Decatur, Illinois lost my military retirement medical records. My fault, I should never have given them to them. Other than that I am very pleased with the service that I receive. Moved to California in 2001, transferred my care to the Redding VA clinic and very happy with them as well. Now that I am old enough for Medicare I have been thinking of asking my DR. what he thought about me leaving the VA system if there is a waiting list of Veterans waiting for a slot to open up for them to be seen.

Response by 1SG Terry Hamil made Nov 13 at 2014 1:31 PM

2014-11-13T13:31:11-05:00

I have tri - care and they haven't failed me yet. So it goes back to the old saying. ...If it is not broken then why fix it

Response by TSgt Gregg Palmer made Nov 15 at 2014 10:00 AM

2014-11-15T10:00:58-05:00

Why would you use the VA if your retired military and have TRICARE. I know guys retired from general motors who use the VA but the VA charges their general motors insurance.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 1 at 2015 9:04 AM

2015-04-01T09:04:58-04:00

I use the VA Medical Center as my primary Hospital, because I earned that privilege and use it as much as I can despite the bad attitudes with some non veterans employees at the facility. And you will meet others who served before, during, and after you, also it is always great to talk to other veterans we all have a lot in common.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-04-01T19:55:32-04:00

The PDX one yes I have gotten my father reenrolled and they have been stellar. From clinics to pharmacy even the lab has been great this also is to include Vancouver clinic also.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2015 4:12 AM

2015-04-02T04:12:29-04:00

I use the VA Health Care System 100% for all of my health care needs . Most of all of my health problems were caused by injuries I received on active duty . That left me disabled .

I have had good and bad service At the VA Health Care . I was lucky to find a good primary care provider who is a very good doctor . I would not be alive today, if it was not for his relentless inventions to find my problem and to get me to people who could help me .

In a time I could not buy Insurance , do to pre-existing condition denial by insurance companies .

Response by LCpl Richard J. Doulette made Apr 22 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-04-22T15:08:07-04:00

I have used the VA exclusively when I had to. Now that I have better benefits I can afford to see private Dr's and get medicine at an affordable rate. The difference between the VA Health Care System and Privatized medicine is basically "attitude". If I don't like my private Dr I get a new one. In the VA you get who they give you. Also in Privatized Medicine you can get all the background you need to hear in the VA you get who they give you. I can also shop around to get my meds as cheap as I can ....It isn't what the VA gives you. I have actually been shipped other Veterans Medications in the Mail....MY package someone elses meds. I keep all required appointments at my local VA. After serving in the Military I know how important it is to keep appointments. I don't want to loose any benefits I already receive due to me not crossing my Ts or missing an appointment.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 22 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-04-22T17:25:44-04:00

Would I use the VA as my primary source? No.

Why? Because if I need medical care, I need medical care, not to wait in line for help...or I don't want to die waiting in line like so many others.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 22 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-04-22T18:51:25-04:00

I don't use the VA because I have no service related disability. TRICARE with the MOAA supplement covered our family well. Now that we're MEDICARE eligible we use that with TRICARE For Life.

Response by SFC Cindy Paris made Apr 22 at 2015 9:27 PM

2015-04-22T21:27:58-04:00

Even though I carry private insurance, I mostly use the VA. They have my insurance info and file claims for non-service connected care. I never have to wait for longer than a day for a call back and get my appointments in a timely manner. My blue team provider knows me when I walk in. Guess it helps that I live in Iowa and the VA satellite clinic only has around 30 female vets.

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made Apr 22 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-04-22T21:45:31-04:00

I do not, and it is mainly based on the terrible treatment that I have already received there. I was thoroughly disgusted by the excessive time to get treatment; but when I actually got in to see a doctor I was rushed through so fast because the doctor literally worked on a timer because of his overloaded patient load, so he just wrote prescriptions and suggested that I keep refilling by mail to avoid long waits for appointments. I never found resolution for my problems so I gave up.

It was also very depressing for me to see much older veterans sitting around in very sad shape with the same depressed look on their faces. It only seemed to contribute to my problems.

Response by 1SG Stephen Burgess made Apr 29 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-04-29T21:18:42-04:00

I use the local military health care facility. I will avoid the VA as long as I can. Everyone I know that uses the VA has become a pill head.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 11:07 PM

2019-03-23T23:07:01-04:00

I use VA primarily. Wife uses TRICARE Prime Retiree.
When my wife's civilian PCM left the TRICARE network, TRICARE automatically assigned her to Quantico MTF. It took changing from TRICARE Prime Retiree to standard to switch to a civilian provider in the network, then back after the waiting period (best I can recall is 6 months).
I've only had one issue with care at VA.
I only see a PCM about once every 4-6 months, so I go in with a list of (4-5) of non urgent issues that concerned me between visits. He cut me off after 3, stating he didn't have time for a list. He also complained he had worked all night, and looked a bit disheveled. I walked to the front and completed the request for a new PCM.
I used TRICARE for an emergency week long stay. You can't beat an $18 copay for a $40k bill. For any emergency issues, I'd use TRICARE again.

Response by SFC Joseph Behmke made Nov 22 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-11-22T20:23:35-05:00

Go on You Tube, search for: Rights Fo4 Vets. Talk to him and Ms Michelle Bruce about their VA health care experiences. I am a retired Army veteran. Come to our YT channel, V 4 Vets and tell us about your wants, needs or concerns, any and all Vets are welcome. Together we can help each other make solid informed decisions.

Response by MSgt Leilani Mariotti made Nov 19 at 2022 3:07 PM

2022-11-19T15:07:03-05:00

Yes, we are using it as our primary as we are Snowbirds and away from our Primary medical. Plus, our primary medical which was an Air Force base dumped us as we are now over 65. So, we are now at the mercy of the Government dealing with the VA. So many people think the as a military member you get FREE Medical AND DENTAL. We point out that is WRONG. And the ONLY ONES that Get LOW COST Medical and Dental are the people in Congress. Just do one hitch and THEY ARE SET FOR LIFE.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Nov 20 at 2022 12:27 AM

2022-11-20T00:27:32-05:00

I Made The Mistake Of Going To Our VA For Health Care... But I'll Cut This Short..
They Did TO Me But Seldom, If Ever, FOR Me.
WRONG Diagnosis, Therefore Of Course, Followed With WRONG Medications, Which Actually CREATED MORE Health Problems. Emergency Surgery, a Full MONTH Of Hospitalization, I Was About 4-6 Hours From Death, Followed By My Being Disabled.... It Started From My FIRST Appointment...Continued For About 20 YEARS... And It's Continuing NOW Also...... As I'm Typing This, I'm Sucking On An Oxygen Tube.. And Further Have Nephropathy To Both Feet And Spreading To My Hands; Making Walking Difficult And a Limited Distance... And This Is Just A Couple Of Things...... The Gods KNOW There Are Many More....
SO......"would you use the VA as your primary source"?
~~~ WANNA GUESS?~~~
~~Or Did I Just Tell You?~~
I'm Now On Medicare And The Doctors Are Busy Trying To Correct What They Can, But The Disability Is Permanent, So I'm Stuck With That.!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2022 9:28 PM

2022-11-20T21:28:57-05:00

I use both... you just can't get a PCP overnight.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 21 at 2022 4:50 AM

2022-11-21T04:50:09-05:00

I tend for the most part to use private health care with a local Doctor for My primary. The facilities are much closer than a VA hospital although i haven't had problems with the VA. I do have Tri care for Life with my Military Retirement which I've had no problems with. Being old of course My wife and I are both also on Medicare as well as Tricare. The closest Larger Military Medical facility at Hanscom AFB, MA is a 40 minute drive from My home so distance is a factor and using a closer local Doctor within 15 to 20 minute range is a lot easier. The closest Military Medical facility is US Army Natick Labs a 15 minute drive but it has very limited Medical resources including very limited availability of a Doctor and not much more than a small clinic.

Response by SSG Tu Tran made Jul 30 at 2023 11:46 PM

2023-07-30T23:46:56-04:00

In recent times, VA Healthcare has significantly improved. Over the past three years, I have been visiting the San Diego VA facility. Through secure messaging, it has become possible to communicate with my healthcare team, and they promptly provide solutions the following day. The VA has undergone a complete transformation. Appreciations!

Response by PO3 Ted G made Jul 1 at 2024 10:21 AM

2024-07-01T10:21:23-04:00

I am Disability Retired and I use the VA almost exclusively. Then again my disability tends to bankrupt people in the private sector fairly quickly so my choices were use the VA and have an actual home, or private medicine and abject poverty. I have only had one problem with the Medical Staff and I got that fixed quick, way quicker than that nurse expected it to happen in fact. Some support can have a "I can't be fired" attitude, but lately that is going away as well.

Response by Cpl John Cogswell made Jul 10 at 2024 1:45 PM

2024-07-10T13:45:15-04:00

Each VA Hospital is different. I have used VA Boston for my care since 1997, and have had zero regrets.

Boston has a unique situation with its flagship hospitals and best universities in the world, however.

That being said, I get better care than my civilian counterparts, and have a 70% or higher disability rating means no copay. They bill my insurance for that they can, and then eat the rest. I've never seen a bill since my rating came through.

This is a question that is specifically local, and not broadly general. It should be answered on a case by case, location by location basis.

Response by MSG Kenneth Bucy made Jul 11 at 2024 5:47 PM

2024-07-11T17:47:44-04:00

Because I can get good health care through TriCare, I choose not to take slots at the VA which is already overbooked.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jul 23 at 2024 8:44 AM

2024-07-23T08:44:15-04:00

I choose to use private health care versus the VA due to the way I was treated on multiple occasions after Retirment at the one where I would be assigned. Let me make this clear...I HATE THE VA and would not let them work on my dog!!!

Response by LCDR Ed Etzkorn made Aug 3 at 2024 11:56 AM

2024-08-03T11:56:37-04:00

I'm retired plus over 65. I love traditional Medicare A&B with Tricare for life. Pretty much see any doctor, surgeon I want. Only thing I pay for is prescriptions. I also stay current with the VA see my VA MD once a year to stay in the system. VA whole health is a good program plus much easier to get medical equipment through the VA than any other type of insurance (getting something like a rollator through medicare is difficult & laborious.the VA very easy). Personally I would not use the VA for surgery.

Response by SMSgt John Clifford made Aug 3 at 2024 1:28 PM

2024-08-03T13:28:13-04:00

No. I only used the VA for service connected health issues. I even gave up on that once I went on Medicare and Tricare for life.

Response by SMSgt Betty Hannon made Aug 3 at 2024 2:46 PM

2024-08-03T14:46:54-04:00

Absolutely. Especially since my military retirement pay is being deducted due to a less than 50% disability. Thank you for your service, no, Thank us for our sacrifice!

Response by SA Mike Lucius made Aug 3 at 2024 9:23 PM

2024-08-03T21:23:41-04:00

I have used the VA as my primary of Healthcare since 2017 and I must say BEST choice I made I am in the Ann Arbor Michigan health care system and they are in my opinion one of the best systems around when I have a concern they are addressing it quickly I am VERY happy I went through the VA instead of SSA The VA made a decision on my percentage much quicker than SSA so I give the VA 4 STARS

Response by CPT Earl George made Aug 4 at 2024 10:44 PM

2024-08-04T22:44:37-04:00

no. I had too many bad episodes dealing with the VA. The VA has been around for a long time and so have the problems. enough said. Yes some people have had good service from the VA. However, they are supposed to get good treatment.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Aug 4 at 2024 11:48 PM

2024-08-04T23:48:24-04:00

I Noticed This Article Is Dated November Of 2014 ~ 10 Years Ago,
But I'm Hoping Others Will Read This As A Cautionary Suggestion.
I Live In Vegas, And Our Stories Of The Occurrences At Our Medical Center, Are NOT Good.
Keep In Mind, This Is But MY Situation, But I Do Know Of Others..
In Short As Possible: I Had NO Mental Healthy Condition. But Was TOLD I'm Bi-Polar.
Was Medicated FOR Being Bi-Polar...My Situation Kept Becoming Worse And Worse; In And Out Of The ER Regularly, To The Point I Was Recognized By Name. Hospitalized, Attempted Suicide. Took About NINE YEARS Of Insanity Until ONE Doctor (There Were Several) Took Less Than 10 Minutes Just To LISTEN To What I Had To Say ~ Then He Removed Me From ALL Related Medication ~~ I'M CURED!
OMG ~~ I Only THOUGHT This Would Be Short, So Just ONE More: I Became Quite Ill, But My Primary Was Unable To Diagnose The Issue AND Because He Was Unable To Arrive At A Diagnoses ~~ "Rick, There's Nothing Wrong With You, BUT I Can Give You Something To Make You Feel Better, It May Be Psychological, So We Can Have A Psychiatrist Talk To You" ~ He Refused To Order A Complete Physical Exam Because "There's Nothing Wrong With You". Gradually It Became Much Worse, But With Same Diagnosis, Wound Up In ER ~ Emergency Surgery, And About 3 1/2 Weeks + Hospitalized And, According To The ER Physician, I Was About 4 -6 Hours From Death, And Would Have Died Had I Not Been Brought In When I Was... .(Other Issues Also, But Let's End With These Two).
SO I Use The VA And My Medicare... VA For Flu Vaccines, Eye Glasses, Some Medications And Minor Issues~ Medicare Provider, "Optum Care" For Others. ~ So Use Your Own Discretion, But Choose Carefully.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Aug 5 at 2024 3:10 AM

2024-08-05T03:10:45-04:00

I'm choosing to use the insurance plan I retired from the Bureau of Prisons with. And I have Tricare too.

Response by 1SG Dean Mcbride (MPER) (CPHR) made Aug 5 at 2024 7:27 AM

2024-08-05T07:27:31-04:00

VA Clinic in Katy, Texas is small and difficult to schedule appointments. I had horible experience with the Vision providers - three times they screwed up the glasses! Hearing clinic is okay. Generally speaking, the turnover at the clinic is high. Appears that doctors serve short time there before moving on. I find Medicare and Tricare for Life to be more than adequate for my needs.

Response by CDR Jerry Wells made Aug 5 at 2024 9:16 PM

2024-08-05T21:16:47-04:00

Rotten doctors no real hospital wants that don't care about the patients. Tricare and Medicare pay for good doctors I choose and can get in to see when I'm sick not wait until I'm on my death bed to see a doctor. The VA system sucks just like anything the government runs.

Response by SSG David VanDinter made Aug 6 at 2024 1:31 PM

2024-08-06T13:31:16-04:00

As a Retired Army and 100% DAV I have full coverage in both. I used Tricare Prime as my primary insurance for over a decade after retirement, but found that for many things, such as pharmacy and primary care and ancillary services, hearing, and podiatry the VA is better. If I need to be seen in the ER or for transplant care VA is best as there is no co-pay. As for needing MRIs, labs, x-rays, etc. Tricare is better since the VA has waiting times of a weeks or months. The lab is first come first serve in the VA here, so expect a 2-4 hour wait. But LabCorp and Tricare, I get in within 30 minutes. Both have there advantages and disadvantages, so I have a primary care with both and use them accordingly.

Response by TSgt Carl Johnson made Aug 7 at 2024 1:25 AM

2024-08-07T01:25:28-04:00

SFC A.M. Drake I use the VA Clinic in Evansville, Indiana for almost everything. I will occasionally go to the VA hospital in Marion, Illinois, but it has been ages since I have been there. The staff at the VA treats me very well, the service is almost always faster than the civilian providers in this area, and the Community Care system is used if the local VA cannot provide the services that I need. I refill my prescriptions online and they are mailed directly to my home, which is a great convenience because I live in a rural area about 40 minutes from the Clinic. Last summer I had a rather large skin tag on my hip that was becoming a problem. It would have taken several weeks to see a surgeon using my private insurance. Had it done three days after seeing my GP. It would have been the next day if I hadn't missed the phone call. I usually purchase my eyeglasses online, from a commercial vendor using the prescription provided by the VA, although I have purchased a couple of pair through the VA's optical shop, the free glasses are a little too basic for me. The service and attitudes improved in 2016-2017, but even before that, the Evansville Clinic was decent.

Response by A1C Robin Weatherington made Aug 8 at 2024 1:10 AM

2024-08-08T01:10:33-04:00

I use the VA Palo Alto, CA as my only source for care. And have done so since 2001. I think they do an outstanding job.

Response by SrA Cecelia Eareckson made Aug 8 at 2024 2:29 AM

2024-08-08T02:29:30-04:00

VA is generally awful, and worse for women. They simply do not know about differences. Even female providers in Women's Health clinic looked at me blankly when I tried to discuss menopause. I have to get my Rx from the VA, but otherwise see outside providers - and pay thousands a year for premiums and copays. We really ought to just get the same coverage VA employees get.

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Aug 9 at 2024 12:34 PM

2024-08-09T12:34:57-04:00

I have and am pleased with the care I’ve received at the Asheville, NC VA hospital.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Aug 12 at 2024 1:55 AM

2024-08-12T01:55:32-04:00

I have used the VA at White River Junction for years, and have had very good care, both at the local CBOC, and at the main hospital. I have had eye care, minor and major surgery, and spent a night as a guest in ICU after the major one. All of the care has been first rate, whether telehealth, in person or getting a community referral. I do use my medicare for prescriptions, my advantage plan has a zero premium, and all my drugs ar free or less than my VA co-pay.

Response by SSgt Veronica Fraga made Aug 14 at 2024 8:04 PM

2024-08-14T20:04:37-04:00

I didn't retire from the military, but wanted to comment on my primarily awesome experiences with getting all my health care through the VA Long Beach. They have everything there, so many services -- even expensive new ones -- and they're expanding and adding more all the time. The only clinic where I sometimes have to wait months is Dental, but mainly for the hygienists. For other services there, scheduling is reasonable. Over the years, I have been assessed and treated by so many wonderful providers. Yes, there have been a few jerks, but I have been able to "fire" every one and get recommendations for who would be a better fit. Those replacements were all perfect. I've seriously considered moving to other states, but when I looked into their VA systems, they are as awful as vets here describe. I realize I am so blessed to have the VA-LB! I was also able to keep the private insurance I had as a federal civilian employee when I retired from that. I keep it as a backup, just in case I may need it as I age. I also like it that my insurance reimburses something toward the VA services I receive.