I must start out with a brief explanation of VA telehealth. It uses technology and data to improve the way VA provides patient-centered care to Veterans. VA’s innovative technologies provide mobility and enhanced access to care. Telehealth connects you with your VA care teams and specialists, no matter the distance. VA Telehealth Services can reduce travel and bring care closer to you through real-time, interactive video visits, in-home and mobile health remote monitoring, and devices that gather and store health data.
VA is helping Veterans who don’t have internet service or an internet-connected device get the access they need for telehealth care. Here are some of the ways that VA can help you get connected.
If you don’t have internet access or an internet-connected device, your VA care team can help. Through the Digital Divide Consult process, your VA health provider can refer you. A VA social worker can determine whether you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth. For more information about the Digital Divide Consult, talk with your VA health provider.
If you don’t have a device with internet access, VA can lend you an internet-connected tablet so you can reach your VA care team through telehealth. The Digital Divide Consult can help determine if you are eligible. For more information, talk with your VA health provider about the Digital Divide Consult.
VA has partnered with AT&T, SafeLink by TracFone, T-Mobile, and Verizon to help Veteran subscribers avoid data charges when using VA Video Connect on a mobile device. To learn more visit mobile.va.gov/cellular-data-program and mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
You may be eligible to receive a discount on your home internet or phone service through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program. Not sure if you qualify? The Digital Divide Consult can help determine your eligibility for this program. Lifeline provides discounts on your phone or internet bill. If your household is eligible, you can receive up to $9.25 per month off phone, internet, or bundled services. Residents of qualifying tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $34.25 per month. You can take part in Lifeline if you have a low household income or if you or a member of your household takes part in certain federal assistance programs. To learn more, visit the Lifeline website www.lifelinesupport.org or call 800- 234-9473 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Please talk to your VA health provider about a Digital Divide Consult.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers 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
