Changes for vet health care in North Country

The Veterans Administration (VA) is closing two part-time clinics in the North Country. Veterans will have two choices for care: a clinic in Littleton or a private doctor through the Veterans Choice program.

The Veterans Choice program reimburses private health care costs for veterans who live more than twenty miles from a full-service VA hospital. For North Country veterans, the closest VA hospital is in White River Junction, Vermont.

Supporters of Veterans Choice argue that VA system has failed to provide adequate, timely care for veterans. By allowing veterans to see private health care providers, Veterans Choice aims to make health care quicker and closer for veterans.

However, veterans have reported long wait times for appointments with Veterans Choice. Doctors have also reported problems with reimbursements. Some argue that rather than switching to Veterans Choice, the New Hampshire and the North Country should have a full-service VA hospital.

Alfred Montoya, director of the Veteran Administration’s White River Junction division, says there are 1,337 veterans eligible for health care in Coos County. 

Do you have an opinion on veterans’ health care in the North Country? Let us know in the comments.