May 20, 2024 |
Photo – Medicine Bow Senior Center – Courtesy Carbon County Senior Services
Medicine Bow Clinic Nurse Julie Freeman is offering to help veterans receive their benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Freeman is a disabled veteran herself, having served as a military nurse. After leaving the service, Freeman began working as a nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, in Texas. While there, Freeman said she was dissatisfied by the way veterans were treated.
Freeman said while working for the VA, she was told to place veterans with a lower diagnosis, such as PTSD, on the bottom of the list to receive care, while decorated veterans, such as those with a purple heart, were given priority. Freeman said it didn’t matter what kind of care the veteran needed.
Freeman said as the lone veteran at the Texas VA clinic, she was the only person who understood the care veterans required. The nurse said she disobeyed the VA’s order to prioritize patients by their military status. Freeman said it wasn’t long before the patients found out what she was doing.
Freeman said when the VA found out that she was ranking patients based on the care they needed and not their military status, she was fired for fraternization, or being too friendly with the patients.
Her time working for the Texas VA gave Freeman unique insight into the way the organization works. Freeman said she has knowledge of all the programs the Department of Veteran Affairs has available.
Freeman said all low income veterans may qualify for medical care with no copay. Many veterans are unaware of the VA-recognized deductions that could get them free healthcare, said Freeman.
Because of the remote nature of Carbon County, Freeman said local veterans do not need to go to Cheyenne to receive medical care. She said veterans can choose any nearby medical establishment for treatment.
Freeman said veterans may choose to see any specialist as well.
Starting today, Freeman is offering to help veterans navigate the VA phone system and receive the health care they are entitled to. Freeman encouraged veterans who have been denied benefits in the past to see her.
Freeman will meet with veterans at the Hanna Senior Center, located at 1007 Trona Court, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm starting today, and on the first and second Monday of each month.
On the third and fourth Monday of every month, Freeman will be at the Medicine Bow Senior Center, located at 520 Utah Street, also from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Veterans should bring their medical and military records with them. No appointment is necessary.
