One benefit that is valuable for Veterans to be aware of is the services of the Veterans Angel Flights. Angel Flights operates at no-cost or in some cases reduced rates for Veterans and dependents that need travel for medical reasons. Patients who have to travel for surgery or medical care who need assistance can use the Veterans Angel Flight services to travel to distant facilities or medical centers to receive help.
The actual flights booked by Veterans Angel Flight are provided by volunteer pilots who donate their time, planes, and fuel to assist in the transportation effort. The purpose and active mission of Veterans Angel Flight is to make sure that a financially needy Veteran or family member who needs health care is not denied access simply because of distance. A Veteran who needs diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, surgery, or rehabilitation at a distant facility can now access these services.
The Veterans Angel Flight services try to encourage patients to obtain transportation referrals via the nationally based Patient Travel Center. Veterans Angel Flight is a not for profit organization, that exists to provide assistance to Veterans and their families needing travel help. VAF is careful to be available where needed, and not to duplicate the efforts of other charities. Patients who need travel help use the medical air transportation system in travel from distant medical facilities to their homes. Many families and patients have to make more than one trip.
Veterans Angel Flights arrange transportation based on an approved application, applicants are asked to verify income and financial need. The patient also has a form that their primary doctor or health specialist fills out; indicating that medically needed travel is required. Travel using Veterans Angel Flights occur every day, nearly every day of the year. Many people who could not afford to travel to specialized care or would be unable to receive car because of distance are assisted and helped by this program.
Before the use of the Veterans Angel Flight program, patients would be forced to turn down treatment options available at medical facilities located a distance away. Now, because of the program Veterans and dependents can travel to other locations to receive needed health care. Finding the program online is easy, or you can access the Veterans Angel Flight program by telephone. Veterans or Patients with travel needs can call 1-800-296-1217. There are information specialists on duty to assist people who need referral, information, or who wish to request how to access the program. Multiple flights are possible. Many people that participate in the program are repeat visitors, and it is a specialized organization supporting Veterans and their families across the United States.
