KFYI - "The Valley's Talk Station"

Some veterans who were previously denied enrollment in VA health care, those struggling financially due to job loss or other decrease in income, and those returning from a combat zone can get help from the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System (PVAHCS) through an assortment of programs that provide health care services at no or reduced cost.

“VA recognizes that many veterans are feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy,” says Interim Health Care System Director Dr. Jamie Robbins. “It’s important that eligible veterans learn of the many ways VA has to help them obtain the health care they have earned.”

Priority 8 Veterans: The Department of Veterans Affairs will re-open enrollment in its health care system nationwide to about 265,000 veterans whose incomes exceed certain limits. VA will expand enrollment to a group known as Priority 8 veterans, who have incomes that exceed the current VA and geographic means test thresholds by 10 percent or less and who are not being compensated for a military-related disability.

These new regulations take effect June 15, 2009. Once the new regulations take effect, VA will re-determine eligibility for veterans who applied for enrollment on or after January 1, 2009, and were denied because of income limits, These veterans will not need to submit another application and will be notified if they are now eligible. Veterans who applied for enrollment before January 1, 2009, and were denied because their incomes were too high should reapply for enrollment.

In Phoenix, VA anticipates that the new ruling will affect about 2,000 local veterans.

VA nationally is sending letters to each of these veterans to notify them of the change. Locally, the Health Administration Service is reviewing other categories that were previously rejected, prior to January, 2009.

Financial Hardship: VA’s Medical Care Hardship program could help veterans qualify for VA health care services if they had a recent change in their incomes, even if they were previously denied enrollment based on their household incomes. Veterans who thought their incomes were too high may want to apply if they have lost their jobs or otherwise experienced sudden decreases in income. Increases in out-of-pocket health care expenses also factor into VA’s hardship determination.

In Phoenix, the hardship applications have nearly doubled with approximately 10 veterans requesting assistance each week.

Recently Returned Combat Veterans: Most veterans who recently returned from a combat zone are eligible for five years of free VA care. The five-year eligibility period begins with their discharge from the military, not their departure from the combat zone.

For questions about eligibility or enrollment, call the Phoenix VA Health Care System at (602) 222-6508, or toll-free at 1-800-554-7174, extension 6508. Veterans can also walk in to discuss eligibility with enrollment clerks Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Veterans may also contact VA’s national Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387) or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility .