These articles have provided me an opportunity to educate anyone willing to read my hastily crafted words. My intended result is to generate more work for myself. More work means I am reaching and assisting more Veterans on the way to my ultimate goal of connecting with every Veteran in the county. The unintended consequence is more work than I can complete in a normal workday. For that, I must issue an apology to my Veterans and their families who continue to wait patiently for me to catch up on my backlog. You are not forgotten.
Despite what I said about being behind, I am strongly encouraging all Veterans to apply for VA Health Care. I have discussed this topic before, and I will continue to do so until every Veteran has submitted their VA Form 10-10EZ Application for Health Benefits. I will even assist you with completing and submitting the form.
CVSOs do not charge for their services, free! The application form and submittal costs nothing, free! When you are accepted into VA Health Care, then you may receive yearly wellness exams, eye exams, and hearing tests at no charge, free! Full disclosure, there will be a small cost and that is your time to complete the application. You may have VA health care along with Medicare and private insurance.
For those Veterans enrolled in and actively using VA Health Care, you may be eligible for additional care outside of VA health facilities. The program is called Community Care, because it is care you receive in the community. An additional benefit provided by Community Care is VA Emergency Medical Care. VA Health, through community care, may cover emergency medical care at a non-VA facility for Veterans. An emergency being a delay in immediate medical attention which may be hazardous to life or health. Please seek treatment or call 911 before worrying about VA’s definition of an emergency. You have 72 hours after being admitted to the emergency room or hospital to notify VA.
VA Emergency Medical Care notification number is 844-724-7842. The notification may also be done online at emergencycarereporting.communitycare.va.gov
Please do not delay in applying for VA Health Care or any other VA benefit. A small amount of your time may well be the best investment of your life. Did I mention the VA Emergency Medical Care notification number? 844-724-7842
Brad Anderson is the Lake County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.834.8326, or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
