After writing a half dozen VA Health articles this year, I will sarcastically assume all my Veterans are enrolled. For those reaping the rewards of enrollment, you may find the next 300 words useful. Whether you are making a permanent move, migrating south during the winter months, or are embarking on a vacation, you will need to make a phone call.
First, a quick introduction to a Patient Aligned Care Team (an acronym I am going to skip to avoid confusion). The team consists of the Veteran, her/his family or caregivers, and a group of health care professionals who work together to plan whole person care and life-long health and wellness. If this is new to you, then please discuss it with your VA physician at your next appointment.
You should contact the VA as soon as possible when making a permanent move. They will assist you with setting up care in your new location. To change your address, call VA at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT. If you’re moving outside the U.S., you’ll need to sign up for VA’s Foreign Medical Program.
If you are taking short or long-term leave, then let the VA know in advance so they can plan for your care at a VA location near your temporary address. VA would like at least four to six weeks’ notice if possible. Provide your VA care team with:
- Your travel destination(s) and temporary address
- A telephone number where VA can reach you while you’re away
- Your arrival and departure dates
- Any specific care concerns
The VA can also mail prescription refills to you at your temporary address. Just be sure to allow about 2 weeks for the refills to arrive.
For more information, contact your care team or the Traveling Veteran Coordinator at your local VA medical center. The Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) coordinates care for Veterans in Northeast Minnesota through Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) such as the Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, WI. The Minneapolis VAMC may be reached at 866-414-5058.
Pro tip: If you are not sure who you need to speak with or have issues with the automated prompts, then press zero to speak to an operator (live person). Explain that you need to change your primary care location and you would like to speak to your care team or Traveling Veteran Coordinator.
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
