To the Editor:
A billion-dollar health organization, Penn Medicine, is gouging vets.
I am a 100% disabled Army vet. Since I live more than 40 miles from a VA hospital, I qualify for community care. The VA even sets up the appointments. The VA covers all health care expenses, and it seems that corporate greed doesn’t understand that concept and bills the vets.
I had two visits to Penn Cardiology in Court House. First time, a bill came to the house three days after the office visit for $90. The second office visit was $245.
I live on an extremely tight budget and am unable to pay for anything outside of that budget.
The VA used to have a bill submission procedure that you would fax to VA and resolve. Now, that has turned into calling them and going line by line and explaining what the procedure was… and some just have codes (I was in the hospital for eight days years ago and am still receiving bills).
Not being able to submit bills to the VA was such a hassle. Most were placed on my credit report. How many vets have the means and just pay the bill?
Avalon – This economy is tough for everyone. Think I might have to sell my beach house! A good problem, but still forced.
