I'm 100 %, live 200 miles from the nearest VA medical center and for years have had to pay out of pocket for balance that Medicare won't pay and VA cannot or won't treat or pay. Must be good to be a king as I feel more like a vassal myself.
If you’re 200 miles from the nearest VA, you should still schedule all care through the VA.
You’re Category One and they will pay every dime. They will also provide transportation.
And they will schedule your care at civilian facilities, you never seeing the bill.