I am a recently discharged veteran who is looking into my healthcare options. While I realize that I should have taken care of this already, rejoining the civilian world has had many challenges and somehow, sorting out my healthcare somewhat fell through the cracks. I realized that I needed a physical to address some issues. Aging is tough, and I didn't want to be caught off-guard. I figured the best way to get to the bottom of the problem was to call the Department of Veteran Affairs and talk to someone about my options.
I know that this line probably gets a lot of phone calls, and government things never seem to go that fast. It handles everything from general inquiries to VA benefits and services, so there is probably a heavy call load. This country has a lot of veterans, and most of the time, their needs are ignored.
That said, it took some time to get through the options, and then I had to wait on hold for a while, but it wasn't a terrible experience. I would recommend any of my buddies who also need help sorting through veteran issues to call and get the assistance they need.
After dialing, a voice said, "Welcome to the Department of Veteran Affairs. If you are having suicidal thoughts, press 7 now to be connected to the Veteran’s crisis line. To be connected to the Veteran Homeless Help Line press 6 now." There was a second pause that confused me, but then it picked up right after with a new list of options.
These options were: "For Mission Act, general inquiries, community health care, or urgent care information, please press 1. For issues around healthcare eligibility, enrollment, or payments related to healthcare, press 2. If you are already enrolled in VA healthcare and want to connect to your local VA medical center, press 3. For questions related to burial benefits, payments, or scheduling, press 4. For nonhealthcare benefits such as disability or amputation, press 5. To submit a compliment about your VA benefits or services, to report a sexual assault or harassment, or an issue you have been unable to resolve, please press 9. If you are unsure of what option will fit your needs, press 0, and we will be happy to help you."
I pressed 2 since that seemed to fit my needs the best, and it told me to stay on the line while it transferred my call. I waited about 20-25 minutes here, but then I got an agent who walked me through the enrollment process, and it really was worth the wait.