I’m curious if someone who submits a claim with the Veterans Affairs (VA) can also utilize their Tricare and other public health insurance for healthcare needs, or if they must rely solely on the VA for issues related to toxins. Is it possible to quickly see my own doctor, or will I have to wait for care through the VA system?
I am not sure if I want anything to do with the VA system, when I have health insurance already.
Since I only have medicare, the VA is where I have to go. Our local hospital has treated me well and given me good care. I don’t seem to have an issue getting seen either so..... There are instances where you can get outside care if a specialist isn’t available.
The TriCare issue arises often.
There are many folks on TriCare who seek out and obtain VA coverage, too. TriCare is largely comprehensive but there are sometimes advantages to VA.
One such is meds. VA sometimes has lower copays for meds than the same drug under TriCare/Part D.
The key overall question is does your income go past VA thresholds. If you served any significant time on Active Duty, you have firearms training at an early age. Tinnitus gets generated by this. It is a 10% rated “disability” (it’s not a disability, it’s an injury) and it derives from active duty. Any injury from active duty that persisted through years of civilian life also qualifies for a % rating. There are a lot of hoops to jump through. The VA is pretty strict and many exams take place to ensure you do indeed have a service connected injury, but if you do, then even a minimum 10% rating erases the income threshold.
So if you’re 10% rated, you have free VA healthcare for doctors visits and specialist visits for life. Only meds cost a copay.
I’m TRICARE for Life. I went to the VA once. Won’t do it again. I’ve never been forced to use the VA.