Veterans Health Care Advocacy & VA Patient Advocacy
Our Veterans Health Care Advocacy team is expert at helping to improve experiences for Veterans, families, and healthcare systems.
We’ve recognized that too many Veterans and families have not been satisfied with their health care.
VA Patient Advocacy: Dedicated Support for Veterans & their Families
With over two decades of serving Veterans, we have a 99% success rate when helping Veterans and families get what they need out of their health care experience. We have aided Veterans and their Community members:
- Gain access to health care services within different VA systems all over the country
- Coordinate health care services for Veterans
- Advocate for mental health awareness, policy improvement
- Advocate for Veteran-Specific Health Issues such as traumatic brain injuries, exposure to environmental hazards during service, and conditions related to military deployment
- Work with policymakers to develop and support legislation that enhances Veterans’ access to health care, addresses gaps in services, and improves overall health outcomes.
- Create educational initiatives to inform Veterans about available health care services, benefits, and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Health Advocacy program at Military Veterans of America is dedicated to ensuring that Veterans receive the highest quality health care and support. We are Patient Advocates at the VA and Veteran community. We advocate for Veterans’ health rights, provide information on available health care services, and work to address any barriers Veterans may face in accessing the care they need.
Veterans can benefit from the Health Advocacy program in several ways. Our advocates are here to assist Veterans in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their benefits, and advocating for timely and appropriate care. We also provide resources and information on mental health support, rehabilitation services, homelessness, food insecurities, and preventive care to help Veterans lead healthier lives.
The Health Advocacy program addresses a wide range of health issues affecting Veterans, including physical injuries, mental health concerns, chronic illnesses, and preventive care. We strive to ensure that Veterans receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique health care needs using a Whole Health approach.
The Health Advocacy program recognizes the unique health care needs of women Veterans. We advocate for gender-specific health care services, provide information on women’s health issues, and work to ensure that women Veterans receive the respectful and comprehensive care they deserve. Our program is committed to addressing the diverse health care needs of all Veterans.
Absolutely. Navigating the VA healthcare system can be complex, and our Health Advocacy program is here to assist Veterans in enrolling in VA health care, understanding their benefits, scheduling appointments, and addressing any challenges they may encounter (including navigating specialty care and wait times at VA). We aim to empower Veterans to make informed decisions about their health care within the VA system.
Mental health is a priority for us, and our program provides resources, information, and advocacy specifically tailored to address the mental health needs of Veterans. We collaborate with mental health professionals, offer support for conditions such as PTSD and depression, and promote awareness to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Veterans can access the services of the Health Advocacy program by reaching out to our dedicated team. Contact information is available on our website, and Veterans can inquire about assistance, schedule appointments with advocates, or seek information on health care resources. We are here to support Veterans in their journey to optimal health and well-being.
Yes, part of our mission is to promote preventive health care among Veterans. We offer educational resources on topics such as nutrition, exercise, screenings, and vaccinations to help Veterans maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent the onset of certain health conditions. Our goal is to empower Veterans with the knowledge they need to proactively manage their health.
The Health Advocacy program recognizes the unique health care needs of women Veterans. We advocate for gender-specific health care services, provide information on women’s health issues, and work to ensure that women Veterans receive the respectful and comprehensive care they deserve. Our program is committed to addressing the diverse health care needs of all Veterans.
Need Health Care Assistance?
Our goal is to empower Veterans and their support network to actively educate and guide in health care. When we receive advocacy inquiries, our response time is less than 24 hours from your submission to our response. Our average time from start to finish to advocate for Veteran patients, both at VA and in the community, can vary based upon complexity but is typically less than a week. We contact facilities, advocates, and leadership on your behalf.
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Why Health Care Advocacy Matters
Health Care Disparities
Over 9 million US Veterans are enrolled in the VA Healthcare system, but only 3-4 million are regular users. The majority of Veterans who take their lives daily, which has averaged 17 per day for the last two decades, don’t receive their health care at VA. Improved care coordination and advocacy could save more Veteran lives, while also reducing homelessness, and save Veterans from unexpected and unnecessary medical bills and debt.
Socio-Economic Disparity
Low socio-economic status (SES) VHA users face disparities in person-centered care compared to higher SES users. Most VA health care users are low-income with financial challenges, but VA has resources to help accommodate Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.
Racial And Ethnic Disparity
Minority Veteran groups, including Black, Asian, multi-racial, and Hispanic Veterans, report more frequent disparities in access to care than non-Hispanic White Veterans. 22% of Veterans belong to racial minority groups, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, such as cardiac and pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.
Age And Era
VA cares for Veterans from WWII to present, with an average age of 65. These older Veterans have complex conditions needing better management.
Gender-Based Disparity
Female Veterans aged 18-44 need gender-specific health care solutions due to disparities in person-centered care compared to their male counterparts. Women Veterans face stigma related to military service and often hesitate to mention their status, but VA serves all Veterans, especially since women Veterans are the fastest-growing population of enrollees.
Veterans Affairs And Community Care Disparities
VA provides community care for retired Veterans who cannot travel far or cannot be accommodated by VA’s wait times. The IVC Act, signed in 2018, sets the standards for Veterans to receive care closest to them when VA cannot meet them. However, the process can be complicated, and Veterans’ entitlements are often not communicated properly.
Trust And Satisfaction
The VA is the largest healthcare system in the US with 171 medical centers and 1,200 clinics. However, not all employees and facilities are up to date with policies set by Congress and VA HQ, which can be confusing for Veterans. With tens of thousands of policies, enrollment in VA health care can be difficult, and a bad first experience can deter Veterans from returning and discourage others from enrolling.
Testimonials
In February 2021, at a Student Veterans of America convention, I shared my 13-year struggle with the local VA hospital’s inadequate care for chronic pain with Military Veterans of America. Andrew from MVoA, upon learning my story, mobilized his network to help. Neglected by the VA despite critical health issues, it took an urgent care visit and hospitalization for cardiac tests to prompt action. Within a month of Andrew’s intervention, I had a new doctor, and discussions for the long-awaited surgery began. Referred to a military base GYN clinic, I underwent the surgery within three months, experiencing an immediate improvement in my well-being. Grateful for the life-changing support, I joined MVoA as a volunteer, driven to contribute to a team dedicated to ensuring fellow Veterans receive the healthcare and disability ratings they rightfully deserve.