Fellow veterans, this week let’s discuss VA medical care and medical emergencies.

I will provide you with information on what the VA booklets and pamphlets tell you concerning emergency care, and then I’ll attempt to explain it in simple terms.

“In the case of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.” The VA may reimburse or pay for emergency care received at a non-VA medical hospital, not previously authorized, and that is provided to veterans when VA or other federal facilities are not feasibly available. The guidance used is under U.S.C. 38, 1728 (Unauthorized eligibility), or 1725 (Mill Bill Eligibility). This benefit is dependent upon other conditions, such as notification to the VA, the nature of treatment rendered, the status of the Veteran (Service Connected or Non-Service Connected), the presence of other health care insurance and third party liability.

Because there are different regulatory requirements that may affect VA payment and veteran liability for the cost of care, it is very important that the nearest VA medical facility where the emergency services were furnished be notified within 72 hours of the treatment provided. If emergency room/inpatient admission is required, VA will assist in transferring the veteran to another VA facility, if available.

“Claims must be timely filed, limitations apply.” How this applies to veterans is first you have to be enrolled in the VA Medical system. This usually means you are currently being seen at the one of the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) or at any Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) nationwide. If you are having a medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room and have your spouse, dependent or significant other call the La Grande Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at 541-963-0627, press #4.

If they are not available, then call the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Walla, Walla at 1-888-687-8863, press #0, and report the emergency to the on-duty medical administrator, or ask for extension #22298/22949 and report the emergency to the Integrated Care Service Department. After reporting the emergency to the VAMC, ask the non-VA hospital or care facility to a fax a Report of Contact within 72 hours to 509-526-6227.

By following the above procedures, you will fulfill the initial requirements required by the VA to process non-VA medical claims for emergent care. Once the claim and medical records are received by the appropriate VA facility, they will process the claims based on the eligibility requirements set forth in U.S.C. 1728 and 1725.

The VA does not guarantee payment for care not prior authorized, and your Service Connected Disability level does not guarantee payment by the VA for unauthorized emergent care received at a non-VA hospital.

Remember, the VA offers health care, not health insurance, to veterans.

Call me for additional information or to set up an appointment at 541-962-8802. I am located at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave, La Grande

Byron Whipple is the Union County veterans service officer.