Question:
Disabled Veteran Cost Memo to Chief of Staff

I'm a disabled Vet seen at Omaha VAMC. My Ortho Dr has done a Cost Memo for C of S to approve for surgery. Dr will be Dr Thompson at UNMC. Has anyone had this approved at this VAMC or another VAMC?    — MAURA S. (posted on May 12, 2002)

May 16, 2002
I am 7 days postop, had mine done at the VAMC Los Angeles by Dr Liu from UCLA. I'm awared 50& disability, I didn't pay a cent.
   — Jack B.

December 30, 2002
I will be having WLS in West LA VA Hosp as well. I am not a disabled veteran but it is not costing me anything since my income is low since I was re-establishing myself in Los Angeles from Philadelphia. The issue of having to pay something for the surgery after I started working and making quite a bit more than the poverty level was a concern for me. I spoke with someone at the VA who does the Means Test. This was what I was told: If I was over the poverty line then it becomes a co-pay of $15 per visit and $50 for surgerical consult. The surgery / hospital cost will be around $950 for the first 90 days pro-rated on how many actual days I would be treated in the hospital. This was still a very good deal! Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy!
   — John T.