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Paul Rodriguez

May 28, 2004, 10:22 PM

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Veteran Health Care

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I've recently heard talk about Vets get some type of medical or medicinal assistence here in Mexico. If any one know of such a source of information, I would be very gratified to hear from him or her.

Thanks Paul

Esteban

May 29, 2004, 6:50 AM

Post #2 of 19 (707 views)

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Re: [Paul Rodriguez] Veteran Health Care

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I know of a vet, here in Mazatlan, who had bypass surgery and because he wasn't covered by any Medical insurance in Mexico, he had to pay out of pocket. I know of another Vet gentleman who travels to Arizona frequently to take care his medical problems. I think what you are hearing is rumor. The vet hospitals in the US, according to a story on TV that I saw not too long ago, need a lot of work, money and help getting back up on their feet. I can't see them starting any newer programs in Mexico until the problems up north are taken care of.

Uncle Donnie

May 29, 2004, 6:57 AM

Post #3 of 19 (708 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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Paul,

I recently wrote an article for www.mexico-insights.com and www.gringogazettenorth.com about the Foreign Medical Program of the VA. They should be published in a few days.

That program is designed to pay for any treatment, prescription drugs, or prosthetic devices related to a veteran's VA rated service connected disabilities while living or traveling outside the U.S.

I told the Commander of the Legion Post in Chapala I'd give him a copy of the research so I'll drop it by sometime in the next few days.

That's the only program I'm aware of that pays medical bills for us down here.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Esteban

May 29, 2004, 8:05 AM

Post #4 of 19 (693 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Veteran Health Care

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Actually, Medicare pays for some treatment outside the US but it's a very narrow set of criteria. I'm not sure what you are talking about but I'm sure the criteria will be narrow too.

It appears that when you say "That program is designed to pay for any treatment, prescription drugs, or prosthetic devices related to a veteran's VA rated service connected disabilities while living or traveling outside the U.S." You are referring to vets with service related disabilities only? In other words, you have to be disabled?

I'll also be looking forward to your article and how you go about billing the Vet system for services.

Uncle Donnie

May 29, 2004, 4:14 PM

Post #5 of 19 (647 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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Hi Esteban,

Correct. The FMP pays only for treatment directly related to a VA rated service connected disablity and any care or treatment related to or as a complication of that disability.

Other than that, it's back to the border as far as I know.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Esteban

May 29, 2004, 8:38 PM

Post #6 of 19 (621 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Veteran Health Care

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I think that your original reply may be misinterpreted and so goes my questioning of that response. What it boils down to is that there aren't many Vets who will qualify for any medical assistance in Mexico. You may be disabled and qualify within the system but the reality is that the guidelines for internationational assistance are very narrow and only include a very few people. The Vet medical program is under intense scrutiny in the US and lately found to have immense problems. So if you are a Vet, don't think that your medical needs will be taken care of if you live in Mexico. The reality is just the opposite. In Mexico, you are, most likely, unless you have a vet related disability, to be out of the loop and will have to return to the US to get needed medical assistance.

(This post was edited by Esteban on May 30, 2004, 10:13 AM)

Uncle Donnie

May 30, 2004, 8:46 AM

Post #7 of 19 (590 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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Hi Esteban,

How nice of you to reinterpret my original response. I very clearly stated that the program was for service related disabilities.

And as far as "reading" about the care afforded veterans in the VA health care system, I'VE participated in it. At present I'm writing a long letter which will be mailed to the Director of the Dallas VA Hospital---where I was served as both an in-patient and out-patient, and to the leaders of the major U.S. Veterans groups and my Texas U.S. Senators.

The care I received was outstanding, personal, and much appreciated. It was of a much higher standard of efficiency and concern than that delivered by the majority of civilian providers to whom I've gone.

Comments like yours, and repeats of comments of those with an agenda, tend to leave the wrong overall impression of many things, but in this case you seem to be trying (although quite clumsily, IMHO) to deliver a negative message about a subject that you personally know nothing about. "I read..." or "I heard..." don't feed the bulldog.

It appears that your contention is that since EVERY vet doesn't qualify for EVERY program that NONE are valid or useful. If you think you might have time to actually read the article I wrote and check out the numerous references and sources I listed you might break through the black fog surrounding your attitude.

And just to dispel any doubts some might raise about our individual positions, let's swap bona fides on this subject. Me; USN 1962-68--2 West-Pac cruises, aboard USS Constellation when Lt. Alvarez was lost over NVN; in-country, DaNang 1966-67 as fire support boat coxswain and salvage diver; Service connected Agent Orange contamination disability ratings for prostate ca--100%, bone ca--100%, small-cell lung ca--100%, 20% for diabetes Type II as a result of chemotherapy for the cancers, as well as a couple of other minor problems.

I have been treated in the VA medical system since the early 70s when conditions were truly horrid for those returning from VN, on up to today, where I have no major complaints about the system or the people.

And just in case the stories I hear about where you spent the war years are inaccurate, perhaps you'd care to comment about your qualifications to assess the VA medical system or anything relating to honorable service in the U.S. military.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Esteban

May 30, 2004, 9:48 AM

Post #8 of 19 (576 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Veteran Health Care

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I looked for your articles on both websites that you quoted and couldn't find either. Please advise.

I don't want to use a specific name, to keep the information private, but a gentleman who was living in Mazatlan, a vet who died recently had incredible problems with the Vet medical system. This happened in the last few months. The next time I see his wife, I'll get the whole story and post it here.

I have no agenda other than I felt your post was misleading. As to there being problems with the Vet medical system, I'd like to introduce you to a few websites that should clarify my position:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/opinion/2939672.htm
http://www.theindependent.com/stories/092400/new_new_va24.html
http://www.veteransforpeace.org/Inquiry_VA_hospitals_041203.htm

"And just in case the stories I hear about where you spent the war years are inaccurate, perhaps you'd care to comment about your qualifications to assess the VA medical system or anything relating to honorable service in the U.S. military."

My war years were spent as a patriotic war resister and I'm very proud of it! I'm not assessing the VA medical system merely questioning the quality and availability in Mexico.

I do have that right don't I Uncle Donnie?

Uncle Donnie

May 30, 2004, 12:49 PM

Post #9 of 19 (513 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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I looked for your articles on both websites that you quoted and couldn't find either. Please advise.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer: Esteban, my original post said said" They should be published in a few days." Most folks would interpret that to mean that the articles are not now published but will be at some point in the near future; i.e. several days from the date of my post. Wait until the 1st of the month. If you still can't find it you can send me the address of your local American Legion Post Commander and I'll e-mail a copy to him.

In regard to the person you refer to and who you wish to keep anonymous; I agree that third parties should be protected on public forums of all types, but unless his situation directly relates to the Foreign Medical Program that I was offering information about I fail to see the relevance to this thread.

I too can come up with horror stories but the point I'm trying to make is that there is a program that provides medical treatment payments to certain qualified U.S. disabled veterans. That was made clear in my first post so I'm curious as to how you interpret that as "misleading"?
In the sense of fairness can you describe to me and to the other readers of this forum exactly and precisely what was "misleading" or how my "...original post may be misinterpreted."?

The name of the program and a condensed version of it's purpose were clearly stated: " That program is designed to pay for any treatment, prescription drugs, or prosthetic devices related to a veteran's VA rated service connected disabilities while living or traveling outside the U.S."

As far as you "merely questioning the quality and availability in Mexico" of medical care under this program, that's up to the individual to determine. My oncologist comes to my house and delivers excellent care. I selected him, I deal with all aspects of my own care, and I have no one else to blame for my actions and decisions. I also have access to a wider variety of medications and treatment options than I did in Texas.

For your information, I did check with one of the major care providers in Mazatlan and received an acknowledgement and a promise to check into bringing the program to that beautiful city but since then have received nothing else. That's not a VA related problem, just an indication that more work needs to be done to assist vets in more areas of the country.

Since you've expressed a concern and an interest perhaps you might want to access the information once it's published and approach a few of the hospitals and clinics out there to get the program active and available to Maz vets.

And if you can explain to me how anything I've offered up is misleading I'll publicly apologize to you and anyone else who honestly believes I've mislead them. I would, in turn, expect an apology from you if after you actually read the article you find that your earlier assessment of my comments is incorrect. Why don't you wait until you have more information; that is wait until you've read more, before you reply? It's always an advantage to have some knowledge of a subject if you intend to engage in debate about it.

Once you've researched a bit you'll find that I give websites, e-mails, phone numbers, and names of folks within the system whom you can contact to verify everything I've written. In addition, I sent a copy of the article to the Public Affairs Officer of the VA Healthcare Administration Center so that he could check my research for accuracy.

I have no problem with anyone questioning my content or my sources and I offer information only to benefit those who might need help. I believe that's a much more productive use of my time and energy than denigrating those who wish to help by providing information.

As for your "war years spent as a patriotic war resister" I have no concern with your actions of 40 years ago except as they relate to the present. My question was merely for clarification so folks who read these exchanges can more accurately assess the differing viewpoints and those who present them.

I'm somewhat surprised at your current concern with veteran's well-being, and with trying to discredit me for bringing forth information to assist those of my comrades who live with the results of injuries and illnesses as a result of their active duty service in the U.S. military.

I think those who care about the issue and who are affected by it can make their own decision as to who is offering helpful information.

Your response, based on who knows what, that "...many Vets who will qualify for any medical assistance in Mexico may be disabled and qualify within the system but the reality is the guidelines for international assistance are very narrow and include only a very few people." is confusing to me. If you're a veteran with a service connected disability living in Mexico, or most other foreign locations, this program will cover your care. What's the problem with that? And on what information do you base your assumptions about who is included?

The articles in the websites you contributed also have nothing to do with the Foreign Medical Program that I alluded to in my initial post. Let's try to stay on topic.

And I'm standing by for your apology.

Don Adams

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Esteban

May 30, 2004, 1:19 PM

Post #10 of 19 (507 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Veteran Health Care

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First of all, YOU didn't start the whole thread Mr. Adams. It was started by Mr. Rodriguez who asked a more general question about Veteran Medical services in Mexico. Looking at that fact, I feel making the claims I have made, is not in any way, changing the subject. I still feel your post was misleading or at least did not tell the "whole story". Maybe the first question that came to my mind was giving me the definition of being "disabled" according to the Foreign Medical Program. That could easily be misconstrued. Your idea, that was off topic, is ludicrous. It's not ALL about YOUR life Mr. Adams.

I stick with the facts on problems within the Veteran's Medical system. If those problems spill over into the newer Foreign Medical Program, which seems to me to be a very logical assumption, then questioning criteria for medical attention is very much relevant to our discussion.

I find this paragraph of yours:

"I'm somewhat surprised at your current concern with veteran's well-being, and with trying to discredit me for bringing forth information to assist those of my comrades who live with the results of injuries and illnesses as a result of their active duty service in the U.S. military. "

to be quite insulting. You insinuate, that, because I was a war resister I do not respect the lives of those who served. That is far from the truth. I have the deepest respect for all who have served in the US military.

If anyone deserves an apology it's me.

Sincerely,
Steve Immel

(This post was edited by Esteban on May 30, 2004, 1:28 PM)

Uncle Donnie

May 30, 2004, 2:57 PM

Post #11 of 19 (485 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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My,my! I don't see where I said I initiated this thread at all. I referred to MY original post, not Paul's. He stated that he had heard that "Vets get some type of medical or medicinal assistance here in Mexico."

And as far as "the whole story", that's presented in the material you haven't yet read. Once you see what is presented you'll note that it's a very in-depth look at the FMP with complete and accurate information on all relevant aspects of participation for those who are eligible. My answer to Paul was that there is one specific program that I'm aware of, along with information on how to access the information.

As far as the definition of "disabled", those who served in the U.S. military, and those who are rated as service connected disabled; that is, those who are eligible for the program, know who they are as well as what "disabled" means. As far as the VA is concerned, "disabled" has a number of shades and variations, one of which is "service connected." The information I provided was directed to those in that category in particular, as well as for the edification of those who are not directly affected but might want to see that the U.S. government is not ignoring the needs of a specific segment of the veteran population.

There is no major program of any government entity anywhere in the world that I'm aware of that doesn't, by its very size and complexity, have inherent problems. The information I provided was to allow each eligible person to gain access to the Foreign Medical Program to ascertain it's benefit,if any,to them as individuals.

I merely offered you a suggestion as to how you personally might turn your energies to a positive purpose by showing your deep respect and willingness to assist those injured or afflicted with serious and chronic illnesses by attempting to make this program available to them in your community.

I'm not insinuating anything about your "war resister" status. The Canadian government has total control over who crosses that border and each person who is otherwise qualified has the right to decide when and if they wish to cross it.

Once again, I'm merely suggesting that instead of engaging in energy wasting and unproductive rhetoric with me that you have a perfect opportunity to provide a service to those you have "...the deepest respect for..." by contacting hospitals, doctors, and clinics in the Mazatlan area to encourage them to find out more about the FMP and perhaps establishing services under FMP guidelines to assist eligible veterans who live in that area.

I DO apologize for upsetting you with a statement of facts that don't conform to your ideas of how things should be. All I have to deal with in my presentations are the truths of the facts of the situation presented.

And jennifer, thanks for unlocking this thread. I trust you believe I have adhered to your suggestions regarding civility and refraining from personal attacks. I'm trying to offer only positive suggestions and comments based on the obvious good intentions of my most honorable and proud war
resister co-respondent in Mazatlan.

And once again, as one who served in the RVN and who now is enrolled in a program to pay my medical expenses related to conditions as a result of that service, I feel that it's my duty to share accurate and usable information with my comrades of all services and all periods of active military duty who might, regardless of their number, benefit in some way.

There's room for everyone who truly wants to,to be of help in spreading the word. The offer is once more made, and awaits another volunteer.

Don

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

jennifer rose

May 30, 2004, 3:02 PM

Post #12 of 19 (484 views)

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Cutting to the Chase

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"The Foreign Medical Program is a healthcare benefits program for US veterans with VA-rated service-connected conditions who are residing or traveling abroad (Canada and Philippines excluded). Under FMP, VA assumes payment responsibility for certain necessary medical services associated with the treatment of those service-connected conditions.

This information is designed for veterans with VA-rated service-connected conditions who are planning to move or travel abroad. More specifically, this addresses the procedures for obtaining healthcare services for service-connected conditions while in a foreign country and how to file a claim for VA payment or reimbursement."

For more information about the Foreign Medical Program, see http://www.va.gov/HAC/fmp/fmp.asp.

The FMP does not apply to VA health care benefits which do not arise from VA-rated service-connected conditions.

"If you are a U.S. veteran residing or traveling in a foreign country, excluding Canada and the Philippines, and you become critically ill, VA will pay the cost of necessary and acceptable healthcare services only for your VA rated service-connected disabilities or for the care of a condition(s) associated with and aggravating your VA rated service-connected disabilities. VA will not pay for transportation costs to return to the United States." http://www.vba.va.gov/.../foreign/forques.htm

Now, for my qualifications: I am not a veteran. Had I been eligible for inscription, I would've found myself a deferment. Former member, Selective Service Board (Bush appointee).

Esteban

May 30, 2004, 3:13 PM

Post #13 of 19 (478 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Cutting to the Chase

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Thank you both for the clarification. I have a vet friend who may benefit from the information.

Saludos,
Esteban

mepsi

May 30, 2004, 3:47 PM

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Re: [Esteban] Veteran Health Care

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Hi Steve,

I have no problem at all with you being a resister and would wish all those didn't return had done the same thing you did. I am familiar with the treatment the VA Hospitals have gotten in the press and I'm also sure a lot of it is justified. Nevertheless, the hospitals in varioius areas are, IMO, trying to do a very difficult job with inadequate resources to do them properly.

In February of this year I broke my hip in a work related accident and went to the VA for treatment. After initial tests they decided they were not the best facility for doing the necessary surgery so they transferred me to another hospital to the care of an Orthopedist whose specialty was the repair of my type injury. The surgery was performed as near to immediately as the injury would allow and my recovery has been excellent. Also, my primary care physician is, IMO, the best I have had in any of the health care programs with which I have been involved.

Certainly they do still have problems, which for me have been the long delays in getting appointments and the shortage of the health care staff.

I don't know where you get your information on VA operations but if it is from the press and politicians I'd suggest you take what you see with a grain of salt. The majority of the problems could, I believe, be cured with the funds the current Resident deleted from the budget. I guess it's obvious we needed the funds more to go to Iran.

Monte

tonyburton

May 30, 2004, 4:36 PM

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Re: [mepsi] Veteran Health Care

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Surely you mean Iraq, or have I (as usual) missed the latest news from the White House?

mepsi

May 30, 2004, 5:22 PM

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Re: [tonyburton] Veteran Health Care

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Certainly you are right; when all you're seeing is red it's hard to make sure things come out as you meant them!

Thanks for catching my obvious error and also doesn't say much for my proofreading.

Monte

Texwheel

May 30, 2004, 5:54 PM

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Re: [Paul Rodriguez] Veteran Health Care

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Wow, Paul, I bet you didn't realize you were starting such an emotionally started thread!

Being a vet (4 years army, 1/ 1/2 years Nam) I perhaps like you am now of the age of asking, okay, from all the publicity, what medical benefits does the VA provide for me? The easy answer is, without special qualification like service-connected injuries, diseases or disabilities...not much. Go to www.va.gov and go to the Health Benefits and Services area. There are eight categories of qualifying for Health Benefits. I would qualify for number eight, the least service-connected group, but due to overwhelming pressure of more and more enrollees, enrollment in this group was suspended in 2003. I didn't even know this program existed. How could I have enrolled in it?

It was my understanding, and I have always thought, that as of several years ago veterans no longer had to plead poverty to obtain treatment. The rules at the web site given don't seem to support that. Apparently that has changed, if it ever existed in the first place.

This reflection of opinion is not scientific, and I am not going to spend the research time to make it so, but most veterans I have talked to over the years are not complimentary about how they feel they have been treated by the VA. I have no doubt the VA medical staff are dedicated, qualified people. I just think the lower-priority programs are not funded. If their mission is strictly service-connected illnesses, then so be it. I just think they should tell us and let us be on our merry way looking for other medical treatment options. Maybe the VFW and American Legion (I'm a lifetime VFW member, so don't go jumping on me for being overly critical) in their lobbying efforts for more VA benefits help us "wish" our way to more benefits.

I have had only five "experiences" with the VA, all good:

1. I was provided with oral surgery after my discharge in 1968...I didn't know I had a problem until they told me I had one. And, in fact, I'm not sure if the VA or Army paid the bill. Top flight civilian oral surgeon, though.
2. An Acquaintance lost his job about 4-5 years ago and had a heart attack while unemployed. Without health insurance, he went to the VA in Dallas and they provided open heart surgery.
3. My dad and two uncles got care from the VA hospital in Temple, Texas. Non of the illnesses were service connected.

Also a thought. There was a recent thread on MexConnect about discounted medical care for US veterans in Mexican Military hospitals. You might want to check that out.
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com

Texwheel

May 30, 2004, 6:16 PM

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Re: [mepsi] Veteran Health Care

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Monte,

Now I wish I had read your posting before my last one regarding Veteran Medical Care. Could you share with all of us how you were able to obtain care through VA? Thanks.
Tom Williams
Georgetown, Texas
Texwheel@aol.com

mepsi

May 30, 2004, 6:53 PM

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Re: [Texwheel] Veteran Health Care

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Texwheel,

I served from 2-62 to 1-65 as a surgical tech, mostly in Germany. This made me eligible for benefits as a Viet Nam era vet even though I was never anywhere near Viet Nam. A Viet Nam era vet is one who served after August, 1965 so I made it into the window by about five months. As background, my father died in the same hospital in which I now receive treatment and while visiting him I learned I was eligible for benefits in the Group eight you mention above because I have no service connected disability so it sounds like I'll never get benefits in Mexico. I have been with the VA for about five years now and dropped my private HMO at that time.

I understand the rules were changed in 2003 as you mention and I was concerned they would drop the group eight people from benefits but they did not do so and my primary care physician says they will not ever do so; I certainly hope she's correct as health insurance is really difficult, not to mention expensive, as you cease to be employed and hit social security age. Two of my friends got enrolled within about six months of the rules change and their benefits have not been affected either.

Monte