Disability
Disability
Posted on Apr 9, 2024
What are some considerations when deciding between using VA healthcare versus a private plan?
Posted Anonymously
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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 4 mo ago
Responses: 33
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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TSgt Kyle Wright
Booth my wife and myself are receiving care from the VA. At the same time, we are enrolled in Medicare and Tricare for Life. All of our primary care is handled by the VA along with prescriptions, testing, etc. Tricare is great for when we are away from home etc., and something comes up unexpectantly we have the peace of mind knowing we are covered.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
I am 90% and retired from AD. I use both all the posts in San Antonio for care and when they are slow, I use the VA. VA does not care I double dip my BP meds and getting them from both sources I never run out. Simple shit like an ear infection, I go to an urgent care that is close to home and much faster.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I've had better luck with quality of care with Civilian Medical facilities close to me than going to a VA medical hospital. With my disabilities I get in quicker, I'm seen by the same PCM keeping my medical history with the physician consistent and who knows all my issues. The referral system through my civilian medical facility is faster than the VA as well. I'm willing to pay the CoPay for these conveniences. Lastly the VA hospital I have to go to is almost an hour away from me, whereas my civilian medical facilities are right down the road. Somethings to think about.
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SGT Lorenzo Nieto
Man I wish I had doctors that really cared, all I get is 12 types of medicine and have a nice day.
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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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I love BCBS because everyone takes it.
It doesn't hurt to enroll in the VA but if you only use the VA you have to go to the VA so it depends how close you are to them. I have to drive past maybe 10 hospitals to get to my local VA where I can walk to a doctor that takes BCBS.
It doesn't hurt to enroll in the VA but if you only use the VA you have to go to the VA so it depends how close you are to them. I have to drive past maybe 10 hospitals to get to my local VA where I can walk to a doctor that takes BCBS.
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MSgt Alfred Gronroos
I started using the VA medical when I had no insurance. And I found this one to be very patient orientated. I can see why you would use the BCBS. Enroll in VA so if and when it ever needs to be utilized it's ready for you.
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