“Choose VA” Postcards Urge Veterans to Sign-up For Healthcare

There are so many scams these days that it is hard to keep up with them. But the Veterans Administration is advising that a letter going out to veterans beginning this week is not one of them.

A recent fraud alert regarding the “Veterans Savings Program” postcard scam, which has appeared in multiple states over the past year, has fortunately made many vets suspicious of VA communications, but the VA advises that these letters are legitimate.

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According to a press release from the Veterans Experience Office, VA is mailing official “Choose VA” postcards to approximately 3.8 million veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA healthcare. Vets should begin receiving the letters beginning tomorrow (Thursday) and running through September 11.

According to the release, "If you receive one, don’t throw it away. It’s a legitimate VA communication designed to help Veterans learn about their healthcare eligibility and how to enroll."

Figures from the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show there are currently some 17.3 million veterans in the U.S., but around 3.8 million are not enrolled in the VA's healthcare system.

Alabama has about 347,000 veterans, and roughly 146,000 are enrolled in VA health care. While the Alabama enrollment is higher than the national average, VA officials point out it should be higher.

VA figures reveal Tuscaloosa County has the sixth-highest number of Vets in the state at 24,000. However, only 8,500 are recorded as using VA healthcare.

It is relatively easy to get VA care. There are major VA centers in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery/Tuskegee, plus numerous outpatient clinics.

VA Healthcare offers a variety of healthcare support including

• Primary & Preventative Care,
• Specialized Military-Focused Care,
• Mental Health Services,
• Emergency & Urgent Hospital & Surgical Care,
• Rehab & Physical Therapy,
• Women Veterans Health Services,
• Long-Term care,
• Pharmacy Benefits,
• Community Care (Non-VA Providers),
• Telehealth, and
• Support Services.

VA advises that if a vet or survivor ever suspects fraud or is unsure about a communication received, to report concerns through VSAFE, an official resource dedicated to helping protect Veterans from scams. You can contact them at:

• Visit VSAFE online

• Or call 833-38V-SAFE (87233)

Remember, the cards being received beginning tomorrow have been identified by VA as legitimate.