Anyone out there who have used the VA as health care, would you recommend them as a primary health care source or get private insurance?

CSM (Join to see) I work at VA doing community outreach and I answer that question almost everyday for vets. I will be doing a VA Town Hall in NJ tomorrow and I expect to get that question from at least one person. What I tell people is this, when at all possible, use VA in conjunction with a second healthcare option. Remember that not everyone gets free services from VA, but no one pays an exorbitant amount either. If you qualify for free services through VA (rated SC 50% or higher is usually the reason), you'd still benefit from having outside coverage for medical emergencies not covered through VA (mostly because they are not related to a service-connected condition).

The truth is that VA will sometimes pay for care that was received outside of the VA healthcare system, but if they don't you are going to be stuck fighting a bunch of medical bills without proper insurance coverage. That is the nightmare that I urge people to consider when they tell me that VA is their only healthcare coverage.

Message me if you want to tell me more about your particular situation and I might be able to help you a little further. I hope this helps, nonetheless.

CSM (Join to see) I have been using the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center system as my only medical healthcare system for 3 years now. I have not been in apposition to obtain private health insurance since I was terminated after 20 years of service when the Affordable Care Act was being rolled out. The VA medical system is a means-tested system which means if you can afford to pay you will be billed proportionately to your income.
I would strongly recommend the VA for orthopedic, rehabilitative therapy, dermatology, ophthalmology, and gastroenterology. My primary care physician is excellent.
The only area where I have seen significantly better is the cardio and pulmonary clinics.
Disclaimer: I was initially rated at 60% by the VA for my heart.
Thank for tagging me SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT

I have been using the VA for my health care exclusively for the last 4 years. In that time I have experienced world class treatment and professionalism on par with any Doctor or hospital anywhere! This is a benefit you have earned and in my opinion you would be crazy not to use it!