Health benefit information for Oklahoma veterans

Wednesday, November 8th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The American Legion, churches, news media and utility companies across Oklahoma are joining hands in making veterans health benefit information available to thousands of Oklahoma veterans.

If you served at least 1 day of active duty prior to Sept 7, 1980 and were honorably discharged you are eligible for health benefits. Those veterans who served after Sept 7, 1980 would be required to have 24 consecutive months of active duty to be eligible for benefits, with some exceptions. When and where you served has no reflection upon your eligibility for health benefits.

There are a large number of Veterans who could be receiving free medical care today but, have failed to register with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. All that is required is a copy of your discharge papers (DD-214), a copy of your last yearâ€™s tax return (if filed), a copy of your medical records(if possible), insurance card (if you have one) and some of your time.

Those veterans whose joint income exceeds $27,469, after some deductions, would have a co-pay. If you made less than $27,469, you would be eligible for benefits without the co-pay. A single person(s) income threshold is $22,888. Prescriptions run from FREE to $2.00 for those vets with lower incomes. Again, let the VA eligibility, don't assume you have no health benefits coming.

If you are a veteran, register and obtain your VA Medical card - regardless of your present health or financial conditions today.

Veterans may register at the following VA Centers Monday â€“ Friday, 8:00 AM. to 4:30 PM.

OKC Veterans Administration Medical Center is located at 921 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City (866) 835-5273 (405) 290-1890 (parking at 15th & Kelly).

Muskogee VA Medical Center, Honor Heights Drive, Muskogee (888) 397- 8387, (918) 683-3261

Tulsa VA Out-Patient Clinic, 635 W 11th Street, Tulsa (918) 764-7223 (888) 398-8387

Lawton VA Out-Patient Clinic, 4303 Pitman & Thomas, Fort Sill (580) 353-1131 Ext: 4071 (7:30 AM to 4:00 PM)

Wichita, KS Veterans Administration Medical Center is located at 5500 E. Kellogg, (888) 878-6881 Out-Patient Clinic

Call (888) 655-2838 and inquire when the Oklahoma Dept of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) service officer will be in your area for other services.

For more information, contact:
Chuck Gregg
Huff Minor Post 14
1904 N. Union, Suite #201
Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601
(580)765-1367
Fax: (580) 718-0090
e-mail: chuona@poncacity.net