Posted on Apr 9, 2024
What are some considerations when deciding between using VA healthcare versus a private plan?
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I'm a veteran thinking about enrolling in VA healthcare but also have civilian health care with Blue Cross Blue Shield. What are some considerations that should go into this decision?
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Healthcare
Disability
Caregiver
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 60
First, if you're eligible*, there is no reason you wouldn't enroll in VA healthcare. There are no premiums that you would pay.
One big caveat. While all veterans who have met the basic criteria (i.e., 24 continuous months of active duty, reservist ordered to active duty, etc.) can enroll in VA healthcare, if you are a "Priority Group 8"*, don't have a service-connected disability (or don't have a rating of 10%+) and don't meet income thresholds, then you aren't eligible for treatment (you'll be in the system, but currently won't be able to get treatment for non-service connected issues).
If you are the only person that you need to consider healthcare for, and you're eligible for VA healthcare, the other considerations about getting BCBS come down to really one main factor - flexibility.
VA healthcare means you will be treated at a VA medical center or though the community care program. You can't go to a non-VA doctor unless the VA refers you there. BCBS on the other hand can be used at any participating doctor.
If you're looking at it from a purely cost basis, VA healthcare will usually win out because there are no premiums and in most comparisons, the co-pay* rates will beat out BCBS rates (even if they don't, remember - no premiums).
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* VA health care eligibility - https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
* VA co-pay rates - https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/
* VA priority groups - https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
One big caveat. While all veterans who have met the basic criteria (i.e., 24 continuous months of active duty, reservist ordered to active duty, etc.) can enroll in VA healthcare, if you are a "Priority Group 8"*, don't have a service-connected disability (or don't have a rating of 10%+) and don't meet income thresholds, then you aren't eligible for treatment (you'll be in the system, but currently won't be able to get treatment for non-service connected issues).
If you are the only person that you need to consider healthcare for, and you're eligible for VA healthcare, the other considerations about getting BCBS come down to really one main factor - flexibility.
VA healthcare means you will be treated at a VA medical center or though the community care program. You can't go to a non-VA doctor unless the VA refers you there. BCBS on the other hand can be used at any participating doctor.
If you're looking at it from a purely cost basis, VA healthcare will usually win out because there are no premiums and in most comparisons, the co-pay* rates will beat out BCBS rates (even if they don't, remember - no premiums).
------------------------------------
* VA health care eligibility - https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
* VA co-pay rates - https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/
* VA priority groups - https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/
Eligibility for VA health care | Veterans Affairs
Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran.
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MSG (Join to see)
COL Randall C. I chose not to because, first I felt pressured into it at the end of a deployment and dug in out of a contrarian nature, second, because I had really good insurance from my civilian employment, making the VA an unlikely choice, and third, because I didn't have a need, and felt leaving resources for those with needs was a better course.
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SSG Ronald Robinson
I did not have any rating for many years after I retired. When I finally got a 10% rating, about 20 years later, going to the VA is something I try not to do as all they do is ignore anything I say to them. I turned in my medical records at retirement only to find many years later that they were lost by either Ft Bragg or the VA. Since I have nothing to back up any issues that I have, I get no where with the VA. I managed to get an appointment at the VA for a physical only to not get it as they were worried about my low hart rate. They refused to listen to me and shipped me off to the local emergency room. 2 hours later, I was sent home as the emergency room doctor could find nothing wrong with me. I then got a bill for the ambulance ride that the VA would not cover as I didnt have any rating from them at the time.
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SSG Nat Dillenback
Isn't it amazing how easily they lose their records? Mine were lost during a "fire" at the records office during a computer upgrade that caused a flood.
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I have Tricare for Life plus MEDICARE but I still use the VA whenever possible. I believe they are a little more in tune with the Veteran community.
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CDR Mel Willard
VA is very good but in my 89th year waiting for 4-6 months for an appointment in many situations is very frustrating. I also get many cancellation/reschedules.
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CSM Thomas McGarry
I also have Tricare for Life and MEDICARE and was using the VA for some of my care until Covid became a thing, I had and appointment with a urologist because of an elevated PSA at the VA which they cancelled on four consecutive times, finally after the fourth time I asked what was going on and was told that the VA was only seeing patients on an emergency basis. The care at my local VA was always good but after that I pulled all my records and now go to only civilian practitioners now though I guess I am still registered with the VA.
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MSgt Alfred Gronroos
I have Tricare for life but use the VA exclusively. I found a VA that is helping me in Prescott AZ.
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LTC Wayne Dandridge
CDR Mel Willard - Contact the Veterans Advocate Office at your servicing VA Medical Center or Community Based Outpatient Clinic for any problems you have with the VA Medical System. The VA Patient Advocates have an excellent record in solving problems quickly. If they fail to help you, contact the VA IG Office or your local Congressman. Best wishes, Larry
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I have both VA and private (not BCBS) insurance. For me, the VA isn't really convenient because I have to drive over an hour to the nearest VA facility. I see a private sector provider that is 3 minutes from my current employment location. If I travel from home, the commute is about 15 minutes.
I still maintain my VA benefits because you never know when tragedy might strike and it become the only healthcare available to me. At least I'm already enrolled and established as a patient in the system.
I still maintain my VA benefits because you never know when tragedy might strike and it become the only healthcare available to me. At least I'm already enrolled and established as a patient in the system.
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SPC Robert "Chip" Ford
Same with me, 65 miles and a state border to the nearest VA hospital (in Nashville), a local VA clinic nearby but its services are limited. No charge for hearing aids and a reasonable co-pay for prescription drug refills.
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SFC Lyle Green
Stay away from Houston, Tx. Michael E. Debakey VAMC system. Is a diversity social club. DEI, in my opinion/experience, is alive and well. A maze of FREE walkers, assistive devices, and vast influx of young, jumping around, physically able individuals now on the 100% disabled roles, walking around instructing others how to get more "freebees and disability ratings". Disgusting.
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