VA Loan Updates

In the Navy, Joe Venovich never questioned what the government told him. But now in retirement, he wonders why the country is shafting him and other veterans with shortchanged and shortsighted medical coverage. Venovich, 69, lives in Tremont. He went into the Navy in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959. Now retired, Venovich has heart troubles, including atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries. Two years ago, he had quadruple-bypass surgery. He has been doing all right but remains on medication. One is clopidogrel, sold under the brand name Plavix. His cardiologist prescribed Plavix to keep his arteries unclogged. To pay for the drug, Venovich used prescription benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Without insurance, a three-month supply of Plavix runs more than $400. But through the VA, the same supply costs him just $24. His blood vessels and everything else were running smoothly until Venovich got a letter from the VA earlier this year. The department said it would no longer cover his Plavix. The VA cited two reasons. One, as stated in the letter, was very clear: "cost containment." The other reason is based on the VA's stance on Plavix. The VA says that after 12 months, Plavix loses its effectiveness in battling atherosclerosis. And Venovich had been on the drug for just over a year. "A review of your medical records could not identify a reason to continue this drug," the VA letter told Venovich. Still, the letter cheerfully told Venovich that he could appeal the decision. The VA still would cover Plavix if his doctor could substantiate the need for the drug. VA medical reviewers would look at the case and could grant "special approval." So Venovich's doctor sent a very direct letter detailing his history. It also stated, "Mr. Venovich is a patient who I have followed for many years. ... He should be on Plavix long term." Seems pretty clear, right? Not to the VA. It denied the appeal. I understand the VA's need to monitor drug use and costs. Still, it offers an appeals process for a reason: so a private physician - the expert who best knows a veteran's medical history - can give his input. In this case, that input was clear. Still, the VA told Venovich to get lost. No more coverage for Plavix. "We're not saying we disagree" says VA spokesman Ryan Steinbach. "It's just not on our formulary" for long-term use. Venovich can't afford the cost of Plavix. But he also can't afford prescription plans through Medicare or private insurers. He wants to keep taking Plavix. He is looking at prices of mail-order drugs from Canada. But he hates the idea of an American veteran being forced to go to foreign pharmacies. He's not alone in this drug shortfall. A pal - a World War II vet who also lives in Tremont - is in the same medical boat as Venovich: He is supposed to take Plavix for heart trouble. But the VA has denied that vet's Plavix appeal as well. Meanwhile, Venovich worries not only for veterans but military personnel fighting today. Further VA "cost containment" eventually could hurt them as badly as any bomb or bullet. "The longer this war goes on, there will be other expensive drugs that will be classified as not therapeutic," Venovich says. "What will happen to the new class of veterans?" Found here. Sphere: Related Content