After enrollment into the VA health care system, you may be overwhelmed by the many options you have and not know where to begin. Your “Welcome to VA” phone call will be a big help to you.

Every newly enrolled Veteran receives a friendly phone call from a VA representative working at VA’s Health Resource Center (VA’s National Contact Center). The representative not only welcomes the Veteran to VA but also provides an overview of VA health care services and available benefits. It’s very important, once you enroll, to have an initial health care appointment with VA — don’t delay! The representative will help you schedule that first appointment and answers any questions you may have.

The “Welcome to VA” phone call is made in conjunction with the introductory letter and personalized handbook each Veteran receives upon enrollment. So, when VA calls, please take advantage of the opportunity to schedule your first medical appointment and get questions answered.

Veterans or their family members can also contact a VA representative regarding VA health care services and other VA benefits by calling toll-free at 1-877-222-8387. You may also send a secure message through VA’s Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) or by visiting VA’s Health Benefits website and connecting through online chat.

On behalf of VA’s employees — “Welcome to VA!”

Elizabeth JohnsonAbout the Author: Elizabeth Johnson is the Deputy Director of the Health Resource Center for VA.

 

 

 

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5 Comments

  1. Thomas R Hostetler October 21, 2015 at 13:32

    How do you go about getting off the death list? (those veterans that they are just going to allow to die instead of provide any care) I have to use the Spokane Medical Center where the Phoenix Director Dr. Katherine Mitchell came from. After having open sores on my nose and forehead that did not heal, bled all the time, for 7-8 years I could not even get a Biopsy from VA.

    I assume they must still be working on a bonus based program, that is relies on denying care (cost saving)

    I had to get independent insurance and now have bills that I cannot pay. Is there a way to submit those bills?

    Luckily for me this was basal cell carcinoma, instead of Melanoma or I would be dead

  2. louis valeriano October 16, 2015 at 13:29

    signed up in myrtle beach…….very pleased.

  3. Michael McFarland October 16, 2015 at 11:52

    For those new to the VA Health Care System, be careful of the co-pays for pharmaceuticals. If you are single and your annual income is more than $12,868 you muse pay co-pays for drugs. For example, if you must pay drug co-pays, 90 One-A-Day type supplemental vitamin pills will cost you $28.00. of course, you can get the same vitamin pills and amount at your local Walgreens drugs store for no more than $9.00. Always ask about the co-pay before ordering any VA medications.

  4. irvin m ledford October 15, 2015 at 16:26

    I HAVE BEEN ASKING THE VA FOR HELP FOR MANEY YEARS BUT NOT SO AND IM NOW 82 YEARS OLD AND DONT RECIVE ANYTHING OK MY FRIEND GOD BLESS,IRVIN

    • DannyG October 17, 2015 at 13:49

      Mr. Ledford, Sir, I am sorry for your problems. Thank you for serving this great country that I love so much! I believe in the power if prayer, & will mention you to the One God that created us all.

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