Co-Pay Or No Pay

[Destia]

My husband retired in Aug of 2012 after 23 yrs. He just saw C&P yesterday and was also seen by his PCP where the doctor was able to fill his medication's. My husband was in the Persian Gulf war (Operation Desert Storm) (1yr) and never went to Operation Iraqi Freedon or War in Afghanistan. He just received a call from the Battle Creek VA indicating that because he did not go to Operation Iraqi Freedon or War in Afghanistan he would not qualify to receive free medication. Is this true? The lady that called him from the VA told my husband to look up entitlements for VA Persian Gulf War and to get back with her. I was under the assumption that he would at least receive free medical services to include free medication for either one yr or 5 yrs. I was also told by another veteran that my husband could be seen by dental for up to one year from the time he retired from the Army and that ANYTHING that he is diagnosed within that golden window (1 yr from the date he retired) he could file a claim for anything diagnose in that 1 yr. Can anyone assist me regarding his entitlements?

[VADDS]

He has 180 days to apply for one-time VA dental care. His DD214 must state that he either did not have a dental exam withinh 90 days of separation, or that his dental care was not completed while on AD.

[broncovet]

Destia

No. The VA often gives Vets wrong information, sometimes because they dont know any better and sometimes just to "get rid of him".

https://www.cfda.gov...dd85be0673d51fa

To that, I will add this link, which shows the VA's "priority groups". I have no idea which category your hubbie is in.

http://www.payingfor...ity_groups.html

Whether or not you served in Iraq is not a requirement to get prescriptions. For most priority groups, your income and net worth is one of the criteria. However, if your hubby is service connected above 50% he wont have a co pay.

If he is getting treatment at the VA, and you can not afford the copayments, I suggest you go to your VAMC and find the "needs analysis" department. Mine is right next to travel pay.

The VA will ask you your income, assets, etc. If you meet the criteria, then your copayments will likely be waived.

If you dont do a "needs analysis" form about each year, the VA automatically assumes you can afford the copayments. Only if you do the needs form and you qualify are your copayments waived.

Edited November 7, 2012 by broncovet