VA question........

[mrmpa]

My boyfriend, 67 years old and a Marine Corps Vet, served from '68 to '72, recently had an appointment at the VA hospital. He just received a bill from the VA for $198. I checked and saw that some of the medications were more expensive than what he has paid at the local pharmacy.

He just got off the phone with the VA billing office, the woman said that Veterans pay according to their income. He has been seen at the VA in the past, received medicine but did not receive a bill.

What's up with this?

[The River]

1. Does He Have

a disability rating yet? Most all Vietnam era vets
will be awarded from 30 to 50 % or more. That will
reduce the cost to a much smaller co-pay.
Where did he serve? Many 'nam vets get a 50-70%
rating.

I am 100% FUBAR and the VA covers everything.

[Victor_c3]

2. Yes, it all has to do with disability rating and being service connected

If the treatment is for a service connected disability, then you should pay nothing. If it isn’t, then I believe you are responsible for a portion of the treatment, unless you are considered 100% disabled. In that case, then you don’t pay for anything.

Basically I’m echoing what mentioned above me...

[denbot]

3. Also pricing levels are tied to his service record.

Did he serve in a combat zone or during the WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or Gulf Wars?

If your boyfriend’s income isn’t that high, check to make sure his financial means test was accurate, and the charges are inline with the services rendered.

Good luck.

[pwb]

4. Only 50% and over disabled vets pay no copay.

Unless the med is needed for a service connected condition then its free. If its a drug he requested or is a special formulary drug he would have to pay for them. Each med has a copay if he is not 50% and that adds up but the copay should still be less than buying it from a pharmacy. I don't get that part of your question?

[Cold War Spook]

5. If he is i Tiers 2-8 there is a copay, tier 1 has no copay

The copay can be $5, $8 or $11 for a 30 day supply with an annual total copay cap at $700. If income is low enough you can ask for a waiver. This is from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medications Co-payment PDF Since the lowest copay is $5, there are some meds that are $2-$4 at outside pharmacies.