Why does the VA wait so long to bill you for the Veteran's Choice Program copay that's due?

SPC Darin Taylor — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:25:30 -0400

My dad is an Airforce Veteran and is currently on the Veteran's Choice Program. He has been going to his heart specialist and eye doctor for outpatient care. He has never had to pay any copay after each appointment and now all of a sudden he gets a bill from the VA for copayments that's dated back 1 year. Why does the VA wait so long to bill you? Why don't they bill you monthly?

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 23 at 2019 8:35 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:35:48 -0400

Most Interesting...... Thanks for the Share Some Facilities are Not all that efficient...

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Apr 23 at 2019 9:33 PM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 21:33:37 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs can you give SPC Darin Taylor some insight on this?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 24 at 2019 5:42 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 05:42:12 -0400

While I am not an expert I have not heard of this situation, unless the individual has alternative insurance. If so the VA offsets the payment with the alternative insurance. In either case he should be able to make a call and get an answer. As for the delay, if he is to make copayments it is usually done at the doctors visit, therefore it would appear that the VA made the payment and is recouping instead of your father getting a late fee or otherwise. Can’t be sure be. Thank you both for your service.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made Apr 24 at 2019 1:42 PM

SGT Thomas Seward — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:42:31 -0400

Does he pay a copay for care at VA facilities? If not, I don’t believe that he should be required to pay through the VC program. How far to the nearest care for the condition? So many questions...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Apr 24 at 2019 5:22 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:22:43 -0400

That is a great question SPC Darin Taylor - Can you have your Dad name you as Power of Attorney to handle these inquiries and find out what they have to say? This is the first I heard of a co-pay for over 1 year ago. I've heard of Veteran's getting charged for not following the proper procedures with First Choice, or they have to pay a portion of the debt because they have regular insurance through another carrier. The only thing I can think of is they don't have their act together and their cleaning up a mess after the fact. I'm curious to see if you or your Dad can get a straight answer from someone on this.