One of the most consistent messages I share with Veterans is simple: enroll in VA health care—even if you already have private insurance, Medicare, “good health,” or no immediate medical needs. VA health care is not an either/or decision. It is potentially a supplement, a backup plan, and often a cost-saving option. Just as important, enrollment helps VA understand how many Veterans actually live in a specific area. VA cannot plan clinics, staffing, or expanded services for Veterans they don’t know about.
VA uses enrollment data to answer very practical questions. Do we need another clinic? Do we need expanded services at the existing clinic? Are wait times increasing because demand has outgrown capacity? Veterans who are not enrolled are invisible in this process. If VA doesn’t know you’re here, your community may never receive the resources it truly needs.
I’ll admit something that may surprise some readers: it took me nearly six years to fully follow my own advice. I recently updated my VA health information to ensure my enrollment was active and submitted an online request to schedule my first primary care appointment and be assigned a physician. A few days later, the Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior called me. They provided the direct number to my new doctor’s scheduler. I called, he answered, and we had my appointment scheduled in less than five minutes.
You were probably waiting for the “but…” Here it is: the first available appointment was about 90 days out. That wait is not unusual for a new patient establishing care and being assigned a provider. It is also very different from wait times for established patients. The important point is that care is now on the calendar. Getting established before you need urgent care matters.
I also asked about audiology and optometry, assuming I would need to wait until after my primary care appointment. I was wrong. Those appointments can be scheduled independently. No need to wait.
If you need care sooner and VA cannot schedule you in a timely manner, you may be eligible for Community Care, which allows VA to authorize care outside the VA system. Ask your VA provider or scheduler about it. You will not know unless you ask.
Bottom line: enroll now, even if you think you don’t need it. If a CVSO can use VA health care, there really are no more excuses. If already enrolled and established with VA health care, then share this message with a fellow Veteran that isn’t.
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
