I have seen many articles about the Veterans Choice Program, but for me and many other veterans, the program is a joke. Many of my medical services require me to travel to the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur, and some services require a more than 30-day wait. But because there is a VA clinic in Oakwood, I and many other veterans do not qualify for the Choice Program.

Many of us live within 40 miles of a VA facility (simply a loophole), a facility that does not offer many of the services we need, causing us to have to drive more than 40 miles to obtain these services.

I have insurance, which Veterans Affairs lawfully bills. However, I have stacks of “explanation of benefits” from my insurance company where the “billers” from the VA have billed for numerous services that are not performed at my visits.

I have sought help on billing and services rendered (or not) at the Oakwood VA, but the staff does not know who bills for the VA and always give me phone numbers, usually for representatives in several other states. They make up reasons for charges when questioned about services not rendered. Why does the VA not have a local representative whom a veteran can meet face to face and get the answers needed?

I need some way to find and question the people who are responsible for thousands of dollars in inaccurate or fake billing, which is probably illegal. These people are taking advantage of insurance companies and someone needs to be held responsible for these charges and make corrections, maybe even restitution to the insurance companies.

Insurance rates are too high as it is and this type of billing, whether it be the VA or the private sector, is a perfect example of why.

Does anyone know or have any idea who to contact to get the answers needed?

R. Gary Humphries
Gainesville