New Tool Helps Veterans in Idaho Access Health Care

Of the 122,000 veterans in Idaho only 32% have used their benefits at VA health care, according to U.S. Census Bureau.

AARP recently launched the updated Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator to bring together valuable information and resources to help veterans, military families and their caregivers navigate their health care options. The tool provides Idaho’s veterans with critical information about what is required to qualify for health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense (DoD). 

“Veterans and military families faced many difficulties serving our country; accessing health care benefits they earned shouldn’t be as challenging,” said Lupe Wissel, AARP Idaho state director. “This free, one-stop resource will help make the process less confusing and overwhelming for veterans and military families as they navigate the best path for their health care needs.”

The AARP Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator has just been expanded to help veterans and their families access VA Specialty Care Programs and Services in the following areas:

• Women Veterans Health Care Program
• Specialty Emotional and Mental Health Services
• Specialty Dental, Oral, Hearing and Vision Services
• Family Caregiver Assistance Program

Nearly 60% of all veterans are eligible for VA health care services, yet less than half of those eligible veterans use VA health benefits, according to a RAND study.

As such, AARP Idaho will also host a telephone town hall with Boise Veterans Affairs to help with access and information. David Wood, Director of the Boise VA Medical Center and Kathryn Malin, Director of the Boise VA Regional Office will be available to answer questions

The statewide town hall is scheduled for Monday, June 13 and begins at 11:00 a.m. MT.
Participants can join by:

• dialing toll-free 866-767-0637
• registering in advance at https://vekeo.com/aarpidaho/
• streaming live on AARP Idaho Facebook page.

AARP’s Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator is available at www.AARP.org/VetsHealthNavigator. For more information and other resources for veterans, visit www.aarp.org/veterans.