Seeking Advice on Affordable Health Coverage as a Veteran with a Chronic Condition

Hey Reddit,

I’m in a tough spot with my healthcare and could really use some advice. Here’s the situation:

I recently started a new job in August, which caused me to lose my NJFamilyCare/Medicaid eligibility. I’m a single adult male in my late 30s, with no dependents, and after being unemployed for a while, I was relying on Medicaid for medical care closer to home. The East Orange VA Hospital is about an hour drive from me, and their clinic hours are limited to weekday mornings and early afternoons, which conflict with my new work schedule.

Now, without Medicaid, my only option is the NJ Health Insurance Marketplace (GetCoveredNJ), where the cheapest plan is $500 a month. That’s not feasible for me, especially given my annual income of around $10,347. GetCoveredNJ says I don’t qualify for financial assistance because I’m a veteran and according to them, veterans get healthcare through the VA. This is true but the VA does not cover all health matters, only those that are deemed “service-connected”.

To make matters worse, I have a chronic condition that requires consistent treatment to stay alive. The VA only covers service-connected disabilities, but I still need coverage for other health needs like dental, eye exams (I wear glasses), and treatment for a herniated disc and sciatica from a car accident 11 years ago, which is what I was getting through Medicaid until this August. Im unable to get healthcare through my employer as I am only a “part-time” employee.

GetCoveredNJ told me I need documentation from the VA confirming that I’m not covered for certain treatments. I’m struggling to find the right contact at the VA or the steps to take. Has anyone dealt with this before? Any advice on navigating the VA or getting affordable coverage would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!