During a visit to her private doctor in 2010, Jo-Ann Belanger was stunned to find out how much a new prescription would cost each month, even with private health insurance.

Then her doctor pointed out that both she and her husband were Air Force Veterans. “You should be able to get some help from VA,” he said. The doctor’s suggestion changed the Belangers’ lives. 

Using the benefits they earned

A smiling woman wearing a cream blouse, white shawl, and jewelry stands beside man in a black suit jacket and a clerical collar. His arm is around her shoulder.
Courtesy photo. Jo-Ann and Ken Belanger are leaving their church on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Like other Veterans, they Belangers assumed they weren’t entitled to VA health benefits because they only served a few years at a stateside location.

For 45 years after they left military service, they relied on their private health insurance policies. Then they signed up for the VA benefits they had earned and deserved.

At first, the Belangers only took advantage of VA pharmacy services. “Our pharmacist is wonderful,” said Jo-Ann. “When I call, she always gets back to me. My questions are always answered. They are always there for me. Nothing is too much for them.”

But the longer the Belangers used VA, the more benefits they realized they could access, including annual physicals and acupuncture.

‘I love it here’

Now in their 80s, they regularly see a private sector doctor when Medicare and insurance cover it, and then come to Coatesville VA for everything else: podiatry, optometry, audiology and physical therapy.

“I love it here. Everybody is great,” said Jo-Ann. “I get care that I never thought I could get. The people suggest things that I didn’t even know I could do or have.”

VA also provides medical equipment and other supplies. “I get one free pair of shoes from podiatry every year. And the hearing aids. And eyeglasses.” After recent surgery, VA “gave us blood pressure cuffs, the commode, the shower and the walker”—all of which would have cost money under private insurance.

“It is such good care,” she added. “I never expected that we would have such good care.”

Learn how to apply for VA health care.

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9 Comments

  1. Julie July 8, 2025 at 20:26 - Reply

    I tried to get benefits a few years ago but was told by a Northern Arizona VA hospital rep that I needed to divorce my husband who was also a veteran because we made too much money jointly. Otherwise, there was no other way for me to get the benefits I felt I deserved while my husband was already receiving some benefits! If this has changed, that would be nice for people to understand…what are the income limits to get benefits?

  2. Anna McClellan July 8, 2025 at 20:25 - Reply

    I need to know if I can get dental insurance now at 90%.

  3. Pebo July 3, 2025 at 23:08 - Reply

    Happy fourth everyone

  4. Maurice A Demers July 3, 2025 at 15:12 - Reply

    I too waited until later in life to apply for VA health care benefits since I had a good Medicae Advantage Plan through my civilian employer. My brother and others finally convinced me to look into it. It turned out I have a service connected hearing deficit. So, should I need hearing aids in the future, they will be covered. What I did not know is that I was also eligible for orthotics for my shoes, Dr. Comfort shoes for my problem feet, and eyeglasses. All of the above are not covred under my Medicare plan. Just the orthotics alone cost me $400.00/pair out of pocket in the past. The VA provided me with 3 pairs. And the staff at the Manchester, NH VA could not be nicer. They treat pat ients l ike royalty. I am very pleased with the services I receive that compliment my civilian medical care.

  5. H James Hulton III July 2, 2025 at 18:15 - Reply

    Great story about the Belangers! This story happens all too often because the military fails to share this kind of information with personnel leaving active duty. It happened to me back in 1971 when I left active duty Air Force in California. I served a total time of 6 1/2 years, from January 1967 to June 1973. They gave me a briefing about the GI Bill, and a security debriefing because I had a Top Secret security clearance. That was it. Nothing about health care. A Veteran in my community where I was living at the time informed me 30 years later that I should go to the local VA Medical Center in that community. And so I did. That was 20 years ago. Ever since that time, I have been a patient in 6 different VA medical centers in three states (including Coatesville, PA) and have been glad of it. It has made a big difference in my healthcare, and my life. I am now a service-connected disabled Veteran because of my duties overseas during the Vietnam War. H James Hulton III, USAF Vietnam War Era Veteran Officer, North Wales, PA

  6. Jeffrey T Boyce June 29, 2025 at 14:03 - Reply

    Hello All :

    I surprisingly got in to the VA, in 2024, at the age of 68. A pal of mine had hounded me for months to apply and I did it just to shut him up. ( I “knew” I wouldn’t qualify, just like the Belangers ). I served from 1975 to 1980.

    THE KEY :

    In CT., if a couple makes less than roughly $ 76,000, you can usually get in. Here are a couple helpful Hints :

    1.) Connecticut is Veteran-friendly with the 76 K earnings number., compared to many other States. APPLY !!

    2.) I’ve used the West Haven VA for many different Specialty Fields, in the last twelve months, and am impressed.

    3.) If a MAJOR Operation is required, the VA has a decades-long arrangement with Yale and the entire Bill ends up being : Amt Due : $ 0.00

    4.) Again , APPLY….

  7. Jennifer June 27, 2025 at 10:39 - Reply

    This is so lovely to read! I’m so glad they are receiving VA Benefits, as they deserve. Many of our patients express so much gratitude and joy with being connected with staff members that are Veterans and meeting other Veterans when they engage in VA services. Thank you for your service Belanger Family. We at the VA are honored to provide the care that you need.

  8. Rob Dean June 26, 2025 at 16:13 - Reply

    Yes, I agree. I spent 4 years in the Navy during Vietnam, got out in 1972 and just assumed I was not retired and at that time not disabled, so the VA Health System just seemed like something I was not entitled to. No big deal. Until in 2006 I was going to meet a friend for lunch and he called me and said “Hey Rob, I have an appointment at the VAMC in Durham and they have a food court there – want to have our lunch there? I said sure, got the address and met him for our lunch.

    Great news – he said “Rob, you are a Vet, right?” and of course I said Yes. Then he asked me if I used this place and I said No as I did not retire from the Navy or have any disability at discharge. He told me I could get help there and took me to the office, got me signed up and an ID Card – and I have been going there ever since!! Great news. I have referred many of my military friends to the VA as well and every one could not believe how great the VA was!

    At my current age I do have some disabilities that are related to my Service in Vietnam – Agent Orange, so chemical exposure at a missile shoot in Yuma AZ in 1969, and the VA takes great care of me. Saved my life twice so far in the Emergency Room at the Durham VAMC!! Thanks VA for all you do!

    • H James Hulton III July 2, 2025 at 18:25 - Reply

      Hello Rob, You have a great story, too. Thanks for sharing that. I served for 6 1/2 years in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era and became service-connected disabled because some Veteran where I was living at the time encouraged me to go to the VA, sign up for healthcare benefits. So I did,and here 20+ years later, my life has changed greatly for the better because of the care and treatment I have been getting from 6 different VA medical centers. I am an official disabled Veteran as well. H James Hulton III, USAF Vietnam War Era Veteran, North Wales, PA

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