Many military vets turned away for COVID-19 vaccine. They make too much money.

[Elderberry]

American Military News by Susannah Bryan - Sun Sentinel   January 23, 2021

Many military vets turned away for COVID-19 vaccine. They make too much money.

They served in the military decades ago, often putting their lives on the line for their country. But aging veterans are learning that their sacrifice may not guarantee them a COVID-19 vaccine at a Veterans Affairs clinic.

Army veteran Paul Jacobs, 91, found out the hard way.

Jacobs showed up at the VA clinic in West Palm Beach on Sunday hoping to get the shot, but he says he was turned away three hours later because he makes too much money.

“It’s not fair that they turned us away,” he said. “It was just a shame that veterans were discriminated against because of their income.”

Years ago, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offered medical care to nearly all military vets. That changed in 2003, when the underfunded and overburdened agency imposed income limits.

To receive cost-free VA health care, veterans can’t make more than certain amounts depending on where they live, said Kenita Tills, public affairs officer for the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.

More: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2021/01/many-military-vets-turned-away-for-covid-19-vaccine-they-make-too-much-money/