Veteran Health Care on Martha’s Vineyard

Background

The Providence VA Medical Center has received several inquiries regarding the provision of health care to eligible Veterans residing on Martha’s Vineyard. Below are some of the most commonly-asked questions we have received. For further information, please contact the Providence VA Medical Center’s Patient Services at (401) 457-3300.

I have a service-connected disability of 50%. How do I obtain medical care here on Martha’s Vineyard?

Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 50% or higher (Priority Group 1) may apply for a Fee Medical Card, which can be used towards medical care at any Martha’s Vineyard clinical treatment facility/clinician for primary care only. Neither dental treatment nor specialty care is included in this authorization. Veterans in Priority Group 1 who need specialty medical care can contact the VA Hyannis CBOC (508) 771-3190 and request an appointment. For those eligible Veterans who cannot come to Hyannis for their specialty care, your primary care provider may request fee-basis in your behalf. Upon approval of the fee-basis request, you will receive care by a Martha’s Vineyard clinical treatment facility/clinician.

What if I am in Priority Groups 2 through 8a, 8b, and 8c?

Veterans who are in Priority Group 2 are eligible for a Fee Medical Card for “Service Connected Conditions Only.” Otherwise, Veterans who are in Priority Group 2 – 8a, 8b, 8c (less than 50% service connection) will receive VA primary care through the Hyannis CBOC and must report to the Hyannis CBOC for treatment. Veterans in these Priority Groups who need specialty medical care can contact the VA Hyannis CBOC (508) 771-3190) and request an appointment. United States Code Title 38, Sec. 17.52, does not give us the authority to provide fee-basis primary care to these Priority Groups.

What if I am in Priority Group 8g?

Priority Group 8g’s are not eligible for medical care at the VA at this time.

I am not currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system. How can I do so?

Eligible Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA healthcare system may apply through the Providence VA Medical Center Patient Services. The number to call is (401) 457-3300. You may also apply with assistance from the Veterans Service Officer on Martha’s Vineyard, by calling (508) 693-6887. Once we receive your application, we will conduct an eligibility determination and assign you to a Priority Group. At that time, you will receive additional instructions on how to receive care and services through the VA.

What should I do in the event of a life-threatening medical emergency?

You should report to the nearest emergency room. VA payment may be authorized for your local emergency treatment if it is medically determined that care was rendered in a life-threatening situation and VA facilities were not available to you. Specific rules and conditions apply. For additional information, please contact Patient Services at (401) 457-3300.

I heard that the Providence VA Medical Center’s contract with the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has expired. Are there any plans to renew this contract?

The Providence VA Medical Center has been in contact with the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and is reviewing options to ensure all eligible Veterans on Martha’s Vineyard receive care similar to the community standard on the island.

Point of contact for this Fact Sheet is Tom Antonaccio, Public Affairs Officer, at (401) 457-3369. For more information about the Providence VA Medical Center, please visit www.providence.va.gov.