Why I didn’t use the VA to pay for my root canal
A broken molar, and the resulting $2,000 repair, led to someone asking the question, why didn’t I go through the VA? As an eight-year veteran of the armed forces, I should be entitled. I would like to answer that question publicly, as it is an excellent question that impacts many.
Firstly, when googling VA options for dental in Central Oregon, absolutely nothing comes up. Only the local VA clinic, which I called, and they transferred me to Portland. That’s where the nearest dental clinic is. Then I was told that I don’t qualify for dental. To quote the employee, “almost nobody does.” In fact, when I mentioned I was calling about dental work, she literally went, “ooooohhh.”
There was no best-case scenario. After extensive questioning/digging, I was left with a path of endless calls, filing of paperwork and waiting for approvals, that, I was told, would likely never happen. It should be noted, that just to get that far, a veteran must first be registered with the VA. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 16 million veterans are not enrolled. That’s about two-thirds of all eligible veterans. Nearly 2 million have no form of insurance at all.
Reasons abound why those numbers are so high, from a lack of information to veterans’ distrust of the government. That said, many don’t even have a choice. According to multiple sources, including the NIH, at least four of 10 veterans don’t have access to care due to location.
I’ve been attempting to work with the VA system for a while. Some have great experiences with it. Many also fall through the system’s numerous cracks. I’m still waiting on paperwork I ordered back in October. I also had an experience with a local veteran support organization that left me very disheartened. Just to name a few of my own challenges.
My molar broke in half and I didn’t feel like dealing with the VA system. I was already in enough pain and I had the money, thankfully. That has often not been the case. Such as when I was homeless in Nevada and could barely help myself. A fellow homeless vet hung himself from a tree during that time. Another died with his brain full of dementia and his pants full of his own excrement, as he huddled around a campfire during his final days. Many, many fall through the cracks.
I am currently working with the VA to see what they can do for additional dental work. Let’s just say, after my most recent phone call, this morning, I’m not holding my breath.
—William Lopez
Thank you to Rudy’s Markets!
A big shoutout of gratitude to Newport Avenue Market, and the entire family of Rudy’s Markets. Newport and Oliver Lemon’s (Terrebonne) raised nearly $50,000 from the community through their Food For February sponsorship of Family Kitchen, then added a $25,000 match. In honor of their 50th birthday, Rudy’s Markets has now set a goal of raising another $100,000 in donations from the community and will match every dollar to benefit Family Kitchen and the Council on Aging. This is a very powerful reminder of the strength that comes from community.
Founded in 1986 by a group of women at Trinity Episcopal Church, Family Kitchen emerged as lumber mills shuttered and logging declined. Volunteers helped families face uncertainty by serving hot and healthy meals with dignity. No judgment. Just community. Forty years later, people still show up to eat, to serve, and to connect, every single day. The economy shifts and crises come and go, but Family Kitchen continues to show up, and so does Rudy’s. Two institutions built on the belief that a strong community is something we build together.
Last month, Family Kitchen announced our search for a permanent home. After four decades in the Trinity kitchen, our community has grown and so has the need. With the support of partners like Rudy’s, we are moving confidently into our next chapter in a new location. Come join us. Volunteer, donate, or share a meal.
—Jeannie D’Agostino
Beyond Grateful
This morning as I was attempting to load a hutch into my car by myself, the Cascade Disposal sanitation truck was driving through my alley. My thoughts were, ‘I’m blocking them and slowing them down, I should try and hurry.’ The sanitation worker immediately jumped out of his truck and said, “Wait don’t hurt your back!” He helped me load the hutch into my truck. This may seem like no big deal, but it was to me.
I was beyond grateful. Grateful that someone would notice a person struggling, not think of themselves and how it may be slowing them down, and jump into action with warmth and compassion. I’ve been doing the heavy lifting for 40 yrs. I cared for my paraplegic husband for 24 years until he died, and since then have done it all on my own. This was a big deal to me. Sometimes we don’t realize how our actions can impact others.
What a wonderful example of humanity this man demonstrated and what a wonderful example of how we should treat others. The lesson learned for me today is to look past division, look past politics, look past religion, race and gender and look at everyone as a human being, deserving the same compassion, dignity and care as everybody else.
–Laura Aaland
Letter of the Week:
I always enjoy heartfelt, uplifting letters and this week we had a couple. Laura, as letter of the week, you can stop by the Source office for a gift card to Palate coffee. —Managing Editor Nic Moye
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