Quote:
Originally Posted by golden
Because I am a veteran, I went to the VA clinic in The Villages to see about my benefits. I filled out an application, it was reviewed on the spot, and then I was not eligible for benefits because I made too much money.
Is VA medical care a benefit for service to one's country or is it just another welfare program?
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I am sorry that you did not qualify. The VA healthcare is available for ALL retiree's (as far as I know) If you did not retire, but did serve then there are levels of care available based on your income level.
I personally agree with this structure, since the government has a long history of promising solders things and then short changing them when they come home. The VA struggles to meet its job of helping ALL vets because the government won't fund it.
For most of my life I made too much to qualify also, and I was very happy about that. It meant the money they would have had to spend on me could be used to help others not as fortunate as me. Then in 2008 (the recession) my career as an independent consultant ended, and at 58 I was unable to find work. I became homeless for a period before starting over again. During that time I had some medical issues and was advised to check with the VA. I applied and was accepted into the lowest bracket of care.
It was a life saving event, that literally saved my life and changed it allowing me to recover, start a new career and end up retired here.
All because the VA was able to afford to provide me, a veteran, care I could not have gotten another way.
I am sorry you did not qualify, personally I am fully in favor of universal healthcare for all Americans based on the VA model.
But, at the same time, I am very happy for you, that you make enough that you don't qualify - many Veterans are not as well off as you are and need the VA.