Travel Pay Deductible

[Vync]

The VA typically takes out a small deductible (I think it is $6.00 or so) when they issue travel pay. Does anyone know if we still have to pay the deductible once we go over 50% SC?

[Pete53]

Everyone pays the deductible, except if you're on pension and it's a hardship but that must be pre-approved. The deductible is only taken on the 1st three round trips in any given month. It's my understanding that it goes into a fund administered by the VARO director that he/she can use for parties, BBQ's, or whatever the director deems appropriate.

pr

In Dallas I think its 7.50 each way but since I don't use it not sure. A few years ago Allan Harper Dallas VAMC used the money to buy a bus to take VA employees to Louisiana to gamble.

[SLEDGE]

Travel pay, just one of my VA pet peeves.

We used to have the deductible and another deduction of the first 100 miles.

My mileage was 130 something miles.

Drop the first 100 and add the standard deductible and what do you have left?

It was less than 7 bucks.

Now they claim that I should be going to another facility and I get nothing over what I would get by going to the other facility.

I have a bad habit of not going where I perceive that I am not welcome.

So, I'm not going to either place anymore.

Put that in the next VA tv commercial.

sledge

[Vync]

I remember being told that I would only be given travel to the closest VAMC, unless I needed treatment at another facility.

Regarding choosing your provider:

http://www.patientadvocate.va.gov/rights.asp

III. Participation in Treatment Decisions

• You will be given, in writing, the name and title of the provider in charge of your care. As our partner in healthcare, you have the right to be involved in choosing your provider. You also have the right to know the names and titles of those who provide you care. This includes students, residents and trainees. Providers will properly introduce themselves when they take part in your care.
  

[ks1k]

If anyone knows the VA regulation that outlines the procedures for travel pay I would love to know what it is and where it can be found.

The only thing I have found is in the FAQs at http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/libra...faq.asp#mileage

The 70 series CFR has lots and lots of travel pay information but nothing on how it is supposed to be figured.

I had a series of VA Dermatology appointments at an off site VA Derm Clinic that is about ten miles further from my home than the VAMC. The pay section claimed zip code to zip code was the way they figured the travel pay. When I showed the supervisor of the travel section that the Derm Clinic was in a different zip code he then told me that I could only draw pay to the VAMC

I then pointed out the FAQ which says zip code to zip code. Rand McNally or Mapquest which ever was the best benefit to the veteran. He said they did it the way they did it and he did not care about the FAQ.

The Patients Advocate Office was no help.

So, if any of you have the real scoop and can point me to it I would love to see that information.

[Vync]

When I was at the VAMC yesterday, I picked up a "Veterans Travel Benefits" brochure from the Travel office window. It does not say VAMC. It says "VA health care services" and refers to requirements. Later, it points the reader to the URL you listed below. It also has a number for reporting fraud. In this case, it seems like the VA is causing fraud by not paying what you think you are owed. You might get a better clarification from those guys: VAOIG hotline 1-800-488-8244 8:30am-4:00pm EST M-F

[ks1k]

Thanks Chief