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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Veterans in Touch – Greetings from your friends and neighbors

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Years ago you may have received a letter inviting you to join the military. Or, as a result of that letter, you may have decided to enlist. You gave two or more years of your life defending the Constitution up to and including the possibility of giving your life.

Enrolling in VA healthcare is very similar to joining the military. There are two very important facts to consider. So many times I have heard Veterans say I wasn’t in combat, so I’m not eligible for VA Healthcare and Benefits. THAT IS NOT TRUE! You put on the uniform and served your time. You have earned the benefits. The second point is that this is not a handout. Again I make the point that this is a benefit that you earned. NEVER HAVE SO MANY OWED SO MUCH TO SO FEW.

It is easy to enroll in the VA Healthcare system. Our Veterans in Naperville and the surrounding areas have several options to enroll. On the first Tuesday of every month the Hines VA Medical Team is at the Naperville VFW Post at 908 West Jackson. These healthcare professionals will get you in the system, do the initial physical, and set you up for any appointments they deem necessary. Let me tell you that we are blessed to have such outstanding care from both the Hines personnel and the team at the Aurora Community Based Outpatient Clinic.

Make sure you bring a copy of your DD-214 or discharge papers if you are a WWII or Korean Veteran. They will also want to know your gross income. Make sure that you deduct all out of pocket medical expenses, including Medicare and Supplemental premiums.

If you are a Vietnam Veteran, you are automatically a Priority 6 in the program. When you enroll make sure you request an Agent Orange screening.

If you already have health insurance, good for you, but situations change and another insurance option is always a good thing. Remember, the VA budget is based on numbers. By signing up for VA Healthcare you are not only helping yourself, but the Veterans of today, too.

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Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour is a Service Officer, American Legion Post 43, and regular contributor to PN. Also contact him at mbarbour@wowway.com.

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