With the advent of the current government health care law, 3M company has joined the growing list of companies that have long been known for their outstanding health care plans in making major reductions in those plans to comply with the new regulations forced on them and to avoid the payment of penalties from government for supplying too much coverage. As a part of the reductions, 3M has now pushed those who  qualify for Medicare off of the company plan while giving financial assistance to us for the purchase of private insurance coverage premiums. The result is much poorer drug coverage, so I concluded that it was time to readdress the health benefits that I could qualify for with the Veteran's Administration.

Fortunately, I had taken the time to register with the VA back in 2001, so my date is fairly early, which is important for those of us who were discharged with no disability or retirement. As of now I have been accepted by the VA for health care, although I do have a small copay. That means that I do pay a small fee for drug prescriptions, but it is far less than the copay with my Medicare Part D. I get complete coverage for preventive care and am still learning about the intricacies of the plan, but it will clearly save us a goodly amount on the two maintenance drugs that I now have.

Let me advise that any readers who happen to be veterans go as soon as possible and register with the VA to at least establish your registry date. There is a means test that determines just what benefits you can get but the maximum income is increased each year and your date of registry is also a part of the formula. Do take the time to check it out!