Serving our country through the military is no small feat, especially in today’s world. These men and women sacrifice time with their families, their civilian careers, and, in many instances, their health to ensure that our nation is safe. In return for their bravery and commitment, the Department of Veterans Affairs promises to provide veterans with healthcare. Though this care is wide-ranging, there are gaps that leave some wondering what can be done to change the system.
Unfortunately, many men and women who were wounded during the course of their service are finding out that the VA does not cover the cost of in vitro fertilization. One Army Corporal learned this the hard way after being left paralyzed from the waist down by a bullet while serving in Afghanistan. After the Corporal and his fiancée were told that their only chance of conceiving was through in vitro fertilization, they discovered that the VA would not cover any of the $12,000 bill.
The Department of Defense, on the other hand, provides free-of-charge fertility treatment to active duty military members, which has some veterans outraged. Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, has attempted to remedy the situation by introducing legislation to fill the gap, but additions to the legislation aimed at curtailing interaction with Planned Parenthood.
As legislators try to remedy the situation and advocacy groups call for change, many veterans are left facing very serious health issues. Before submitting to expensive medical treatment that may not be covered by their benefits, veterans may want to gather as much information as possible and, perhaps, consult with a professional who can help guide them down the best route available to address veterans’ issues.
Source: The New York Times, “Veterans Seek Help for Infertility Inflicted by Wound of War,” Denise Grady, Feb. 29, 2016
