Looking for advice ..

RetiredTeacher

DH has VD from previous strokes and poor CV health. We have Kaiser Senior Advantage and supplemental insurance from his work. He is an army vet but never signed up for VA medical after separation. I would like to get him signed up for VA medical, not necessarily for drs visits or meds, but down the road as he progresses he would be eligible for catastrophic disability and some in home respite care that will be very helpful. He's had enough of Drs and tests as it took a long time to finally rule out other medical diseases and find out he has VD. How can I get him to go in and get tested/evaluated at the VA all over again??? I know it needs to be done. Can I begin the paperwork process? There is no way he could navigate all that. Has anyone been down this road?? Any suggestions. I thought I would explain it is for me and help for me down the road but he needs to be approved. I'd appreciate any advice from vets or their spouses. Ty

SDianeL

I have attached the link for VA healthcare eligibility and on that page there is a link to sign up. Be sure to read the eligibility. You will need his DD-214. Not sure you can register for him but you can try. Do you have a DPOA? If not you need to see an attorney and get one. To get him to go to the VA fib to him. Tell him your insurance requires it or his doctor referred him. Don’t tell him about the appointment until the day of. Don’t mention the dementia. Tell him it’s just a checkup. If he meets the eligibility each veteran is assigned a Social Worker. Once he has his first appointment ask for the name and number of the Social Worker. They helped me so much. https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/

marier

I agree with SDainel above comments. My DH is a vet and the VA has been so helpful to me. There are benefits such as respite, day programs and in home help. I am not sure I could of kept him at home without there help. He is now at stage 7.

cavenson

My DH is retired military, and we applied several years ago. You can sign up over the phone (1-877-222-8387). As mentioned in a previous post, you’ll need social security numbers for veteran and spouse, DD 214, and information on other healthcare (Medicare & Tricare for my DH). My DH initially spoke to the person assisting us and gave his full name and date of birth. He then asked if I could answer the questions and provide information since he has Alzheimer’s. I do have DPOA, but that wasn't requested. The person said that it was fine for me to answer the questions after DH had approved it. We had the phone on speaker. It was a fairly easy process. You could also apply on-line.

Apply For VA Health Care | Veterans Affairs

A new VA Healthcare Center is within a couple of miles of our home; so it is convenient. He sees the VA doctor every six months. The VA doctor recommended that DH continue to see all of his other doctors. It took months to get the first appointment with a VA doctor. However, the VA doctor has referred us to a social worker who can provide additional assistance.

RetiredTeacher

Ty all so very much. We will be signing up soon!