Kicked out of the system

[William East]

Good Morning: I have been in the VA health care system for going on 12 years . I got married 8 years ago . Out of the blue Im not eligible for healthcare due to income. our combined income is roughly $100K . I have been going to them for hip and back injury. hip was scheduled to be replaced when Covid hit. And I wasnt able to get on the schedule due to Im still mobile. Do I have any options?

[brokensoldier244th]

What priority group are you in? 
 

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/

[El Train]

This happened to me when I first applied.  Didn't qualify because of income.  A friend told be this was BS since I was in the Gulf War.  He suggested to apply for VA disability as well.  A year and a half later, I'm in group priority 1 and 100% P&T.  All health care covered.

[broncovet]

Well, yes.  VA health care is needs based except for disabled Vets.  100 percent vets get it at no cost regardless of income.  

And, yes, your wife's income counts toward household income.  

My advice is to go to your VAMC "needs" office, and fill out the income form.  I had this problem before I became 100 percent.  

[asdf]

The Pact Act made VA healthcare accessible to many combat veterans without a disability regardless of income. 

[Mr cue]

They way they explain it was the VA hospital had to treat service connect condition. Income doesn't apply.

Non service condition fall under that income stuff.

I think this was how the advocate explain it.

[RBrogen]

On 1/11/2023 at 1:50 AM, Mr cue said:

They way they explain it was the VA hospital had to treat service connect condition. Income doesn't apply.

Non service condition fall under that income stuff.

I think this was how the advocate explain it.

Yes this was/is my understanding as well ... for over 20 years I was at 20% for my low back and they would only treat me for that.