The Department of Veterans Affairs provides health coverage to millions of veterans. However, not all eligible veterans are accessing their health-care benefits.
The VA estimates that 1.3 million veterans do not have health insurance, and many of them may be eligible for VA health care.
Anyone who is enrolled in VA health care does not need to take additional steps to meet the new health-care-law coverage standards.
It takes only minutes to apply online for VA health care and request an appointment.
The VA offers online medical records that let you stay in control of your health care and even refill a prescription.
Female veterans can get comprehensive primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, maternity care and other specialized services.
As part of America’s largest integrated health network with more than 1,700 care sites, VA medical providers have real-time access to medical and prescription information so veterans can access care anywhere in the country.
All veterans are encouraged to join the more than 8.7 million veterans enrolled in VA health care. Explore VA health benefits today and consider applying now. And share this column with the veterans you know so they, too, can benefit from VA health care.
If you have questions, please visit your local county Veterans Service Office as soon as possible because it is never too late to apply for VA health-care benefits.
Disabled American Veterans vans
Disabled American Veterans is running a VA health-care van from Durango to Albuquerque on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from Farmington to Albuquerque on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you want to use the DAV transportation network, contact DAV coordinators at:
Durango area – 442-0149
Cortez area – (970) 676-1116
Farmington/Aztec – (505) 793-1782
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call (800) 273-8255 and press 1; chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net; or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.
For more information
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. For more information, visit www.co.laplata.co.us and type “veterans services” in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are at 1970 East Third Ave. The office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 382-6150. For clinic appointments, call 247-2214.
