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Old 08-18-2019, 11:45 AM
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Arrow Veterans advocate speaks out after soldiers were denied more than $50 million in medi

Veterans advocate speaks out after soldiers were denied more than $50 million in medical claims
By: Nick Givas - FoxNews - 8-18-19
RE: https://www.foxnews.com/media/vetera...s-insurance-va

Video link on site only.

Dan Caldwell, executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, appeared on "Fox & Friends Weekend" Sunday, and addressed the issue of soldiers being denied more than $50 million in medical insurance coverage.

A new Inspector General's report published in August found over $53 million in legitimate claims were rejected during a six-month period, leaving more than 17,000 veterans without care.


"This isn’t a new problem at the Department of Veterans Affairs," Caldwell said. "Going back to 2011... we [got] calls from veterans in our district all the time, that were getting bills from private medical providers that the VA sent them to because they couldn’t properly process claims in time.

"It got worse in 2014 when the Obama administration was implementing the new VA choice program. So this isn't something new."

Veteran claims will be underpaid by $533 million over the course of five years if the errors continue, the report also found.

"The audit revealed that a portion of those denied and rejected claims should have been approved," the report reads.

"The OIG estimated that about 17,400 veterans, with bills totaling at least $53.3 million, were negatively affected during the audit period. The OIG estimated that if corrective actions are not taken, these errors could result in $533 million in improper underpayments to claimants over five years."

Caldwell said these mistakes are par for the course, but expressed optimism for the future, and praised the changes being made by the Trump administration to fix the problem.

"It’s because the VA's billing and collection systems are really outdated and overly cumbersome," he said. "The good news is, though, that the administration under President Trump... [is] implementing reforms that will hopefully fix this."

Caldwell added, "I think that this current administration has made reforming and fixing the VA a priority... I think for President Trump, overall while there’s still work to do, the VA is a real success story. However, this is one of the largest government bureaucracies. There's a lot of systemic, structural issues that have been in place for decades and it’s, unfortunately, going to take time to fix it."

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Personal note: I go to the VA at least twice a year in Crown Point, IN. My yearly check up and then a Blood & Urine Test. I have a VA card - plus my Medicare & Blue Cross/Blue Shield cards.
Note: And lately I get a yearly bill in the mail for $15 or higher. But in all prior years I never got a bill. I get my scripts at Walgreen's and my shots by the VA when needed. Now that isn't breaking my bank - but I am getting bills once a year for the last couple years. I don't know what changed but it's within my ability to pay so I do. Now some brand named medications are not covered. I don't recall which ones but generics are usually available. Most Co-payments for med's I've seen are at least $10.00 that's not too bad. I only wish they'd provide dental - but that's only available for men with 20+ years of service. We can get eye exams and a cheap pair of glasses - if needed. We also have therapy if needed - but its painful as hell when you have arthritis - ask me I know.
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Boats
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O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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