Can a Veteran be "kicked out" of the VA health care system?

[dakdrs]

I'm new to posting and didn't know where to post this, so I started a New Topic.

Hello, just looking for input from anyone who had a similar experience or any advice.

I retired from the Navy in 2004. I don't use the VA for any healthcare but recently found out I'm enrolled and don't remember enrolling.

I had a C & P exam at the Wilmington NC VA clinic 2 months ago. While I was there I noticed the Optometry clinic so I went in said to the staff "I didn't know the VA had different frames to choose from, I thought it was just BC glasses" The staff said "No, there's choices and we do eye exams too"  I said "I'm not registered in the VA healthcare system, so I can't" The staff said "Are you sure you're not registered? What's your name and last 4" She looked and I'm in the system unbeknownst to me. So I made an appointment for August 25th.

I got a message to call the Wilmington NC VA clinic. Naturally thinking it was in reference to my upcoming appointment, I returned the call. When I called back, I identified myself and the man on the phone said "What's your last 4" I told him and he said "I need to schedule you for an appointment with a General Physician"  I said "Why" the man said "You have to see a General Physician annually or you'll be kicked out of the VA healthcare system"  I told him "I don't use the VA for any healthcare" and he said "I'll let them know" and he hung up.

Since I don't use the VA for healthcare I shouldn't be concerned right? My concern is that other Veterans are being threatened with being "kicked out".

I can't believe that a Vet can be kicked out of the VA healthcare system but I wouldn't be surprised that the VA would do that.

So before I call someone in charge at the Wilmington NC VA clinic seeking answers for the "kicked out" threat, I wanted some feedback if the VA can kick a Vet out of the healthcare system for not using VA healthcare.  I did a quick google search to find a policy but didn't find anything.

Thank you for any assistance or guidance.

[jonnyohio]

Yes, if you don't go to annual appointments at minimum you are "kicked out" of the system, but you can just enroll again.   You have to go through orientation again though.  it happened to me.  I had to enroll again last year as I had not seen my GP for 10 years since they didn't bother to schedule me for an appointment.  I have a different one now.  Now it seems they make an effort to schedule appointments a year in a advance so you don't get kicked out of the system automatically.

[William East]

Yes you can. I got married and our combined income is more than allowed. only talking $100K . which is over the threshold. I have been booted. I have been going to them for over 10 years . And was scheduled to get my hip replaced. 

[Tbird]

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