Guthrie values the men and women who have served our country and remains committed to ensuring that our military caregivers and patients get the support they need. Below you will find information on Veterans initiatives at Guthrie as well as helpful information on a variety of Veterans programs and services.
About the Guthrie Veterans Resource Center:
The Guthrie Veterans Resource Center at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre supports Veterans and their families in the communities we serve by providing important information and education. The Resource Center serves as a focal point for military appreciation and education, community involvement, and valuable knowledge and resources.
Important information on the following Veterans programs and services can be found at the resource center.
- Records
- Pension
- Burials and Memorials
- Disability
- Education and Training
- Housing Assistance
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- Family Member Benefits
- Health Care
- Life Insurance
- Careers and Employment
- Service Member Benefits
| Additional Veteran Resources: |
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Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can now go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit. The policy allows the VA to:
Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:
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- Tricare
- Tricare for Life
- TriWest
- Martin’s Point (US Family Health Plan)
- Veterans Administration
- Payment plans for eligible balances
- Guthrie Charity Care: provide adjustments up to 400% of FPL (federal poverty level
VA Third Party Payers
VA Aid & Attendance Pension
- The Guthrie Veteran Patient Assistance Fund provides help to patients who are Veterans, and their immediate family members, with the unmet financial burden that comes with a serious or chronic medical condition for which they are receiving care at Guthrie.
- If patients are interested in applying for patient assistance funds, they should contact their Guthrie social worker.
- Those interested in supporting the Guthrie Veteran Patient Assistance Fund should contact Guthrie Resource Development at 570-887-4420, or by emailing Resource_Development@liashapiro.com
End-of-life Support
We would like to express our sympathy to you and your family during this time of hardship, and Guthrie is here to help. The following information may help you as you make end-of-life decisions for yourself or a loved one. As a Veteran, you or your loved one may be eligible for certain benefits after death. Most of these benefits require proof of eligibility, through discharge form DD214.
Burial in Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemeteries is free to Veterans, including the gravesite, grave liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care. To see if you or your loved one qualifies, call the U.S. Office of Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000 or visit the National Cemetery Administration website at www.cem.va.gov.
For burial closer to home, the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion may offer grave sites in your area. Call your local Veterans organizations or county Veterans representative (contact numbers on back) for information.
Depending on availability, the Department of Defense can provide funeral honors for you or your loved one, including Taps and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag. Military honor funerals are attended by two or more uniformed members of the armed forces, one of which will be from the same branch of service as you or your loved one. Only funeral directors can request military honors.
Members of your local Veterans organization take great pride in providing a final salute to their fallen comrades. Many Veterans serve on color guards and are honored to provide the 21-gun salute, Veteran’s prayer or other honors you or your loved one earned as a service member. Your funeral director can make arrangements through your local Veterans organization.
The Office of Veterans Affairs may pay a burial allowance up to $2,000 (effective 07/2015), if a Veteran’s death is related to his or her military service. Only the individual who paid burial expenses may receive reimbursement. For information, contact your VA Hospital Veterans Representative or your county Veterans representative.
Social Security provides a burial expense allowance. Contact your local Social Security office for requirements.
Veterans, active duty service members, and retired reservists and National Guard service members are eligible to receive a free inscribed headstone or marker for their grave site. To submit a claim, complete VA Form 40-1330 Application for Headstone or Marker (available at www.va.gov/vaforms) and fax it, along with Form DD214, to 800-455-7143.
Graveside markers for displaying the U.S. flag can be purchased through your local Veterans organization, or online at vfwstore.org or legion.org.
FAQs
How do I get community care at Guthrie paid for by the VA system?
Let the person scheduling and registering know you want to use your VA benefits. You should also ensure you have a referral from the VA to receive care at Guthrie. Guthrie will also work with the VA to obtain a referral. If you are admitted, Guthrie will notify the VA within 24 hours of your admission. VA also recommends you to contact them as well. It’s encouraged that you provide a copy of your DoD card or your VA ID #. Also ensure VA is setup on your eGuthrie account as an insurance plan.
What outpatient services are available for VA patients?
All Guthrie hospitals and medical groups/offices accept a variety of insurance benefits, including the Veterans Administration, Optum Community Care, Champus, Tricare and Martin’s Point. Some services, such as DME, Optical, Dental, Home Health and Hospice may have limited benefits. All services covered under the Community Care plan require a referral from the VA for the applicable service to be rendered at Guthrie.
Do we have Hospice services for VA patients?
Hospice Care is comfort care provided to Veterans and their families if the Veteran has a terminal condition, with less than 6 months to live, and is no longer seeking treatment other than palliative care. Hospice Care can be provided at home, in an outpatient clinic or in an inpatient setting. Since Hospice Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled Veterans are eligible IF they meet the clinical need for the service. There are NO COPAYS for Hospice Care, whether it is provided by the VA or an organization with a VA contract.
What are the Burial services for VA patients?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of these requirements.
One of these must be true:
- The person qualifying for burial benefits is a Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, or
- The person qualifying for burial benefits is a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training, or
- The person qualifying for burial benefits is the spouse or minor child of a Veteran, even if the Veteran died first, or
- The person qualifying for burial benefits is in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran
Do I have to get a referral from VA to get my care by Guthrie paid for by VA?
Yes, for Veteran Administered benefits handled by Optum, you need a referral for any/all services performed/billed by Guthrie. Champus, Tricare and Martin’s Point typically do not require referrals.
How do I sign up for VA Benefits?
How do I change my Veteran status in EPIC or eGuthrie?
Advise the person scheduling or registering you that you want your veteran status listed accurately. They will confirm your information during scheduling or registration.
How do I know how much a visit is going to cost me?
VA covers many services, and has low copays. For current copay amounts click here. Guthrie also provides a free estimator tool at Guthrie.org. You can confirm the prices for over 400 commonly requested services. If you are unable to use the online tool or to find the information online, our Pre-Arrival Services Team can provide you with an estimate. They are available 570-887-6520. You can also request an estimate by talking to your provider office or by requesting one through eGuthrie.
What do I need to do with the VA to get approval for care at Guthrie? (typical question for non-availability statement)
Guthrie will work with the VA to obtain referrals, if you are using VA Optum coverage. It’s recommended that you too ensure a referral for the care is generated to Guthrie. The referral needs to specifically list the services, diagnosis, and number of visits approved. Champus, Tricare and Martin’s Point do not require any referrals.
Will there be a co-pay for my care at Guthrie?
Enrolled Veterans will be assessed copayments for care or services (including urgent care) based on their eligibility and/or income on file in the VA health care system. For care or services furnished through the Veterans Community Care Program, the same copayment requirements will apply. Copayment rates are listed below. Copayments and out of pocket cost vary and can be located here. Maternity cost share amounts are available here. However, you need to advise during scheduling and registration that you want veteran benefits used. For example, if you have both Medicare and veteran benefits but do not designate VA benefits should be used, a claim will be sent to Medicare. Medicare does have a deductible and coinsurance. The Federal government does not allow a patient to have both Medicare and veteran benefits billed for the same service.
Can I get hearing aids through Guthrie?
Hearing aids must be obtain through the VA. Review the following.
Does Guthrie take all forms of TRICARE?
Yes, Guthrie accepts all forms of Tricare. TRICARE uses “direct care,” network, and non-network facilities to provide healthcare services. Direct care refers to the Uniformed Services healthcare resources, usually military treatment facilities. Network and non-network facilities can include civilian healthcare professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers. TRICARE uses “direct care,” network, and non-network facilities to provide healthcare services. Direct care refers to the Uniformed Services healthcare resources, usually military treatment facilities. Network and non-network facilities can include civilian healthcare professionals, institutions, pharmacies, and suppliers.
The three main health plans are TRICARE Standard, Extra, and Prime.
Then, there are a variety of more specific plans that cover different situations:
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Prime Overseas
- TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas
- TRICARE Standard and Extra
- TRICARE Standard Overseas
- TRICARE For Life
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult
- US Family Health Plan
What if I use the VA and my private insurance/Medicare? Which does Guthrie charge first?
If you have both Medicare and veteran benefits but do not designate VA benefits should be used, a claim will be sent to Medicare. Medicare does have a deductible and coinsurance. The Federal government does not allow a patient to have both Medicare and veteran benefits billed for the same service. Veteran’s administration also coordinate benefits with other insurance companies. Meaning, if you have a BCBS policy through your employer as primary coverage, which also has a copay or deductible. The VA may not pick up the copay or deductible amount.
Can my Family use Guthrie too?
Yes, Guthrie does not have any restrictions on who can be seen. Some pediatric specialty services may be referred to other collaborating facilities, due to the limited nature of pediatric care at Guthrie.
Can I switch all my care to Guthrie?
Yes, Guthrie does not have any restrictions on who can be seen. Many of our providers are accepting new patients and we cover the majority of patient health care needs. Our patient portal allows online scheduling, communication with providers and other features. It’s a convenient way to stay in touch with your provider.
What are the county crisis phone numbers for behavioral health/suicide prevention?
- Bradford County: 877-724-7142
- Broome County: 607-778-8982
- Chemung County: 607-737-2028
- Cortland County: 607-756-3771
- Steuben County: 607-937-7800
- Tioga County, N.Y.: 607-687-1010
- Tioga County, Pa.: 877-724-7142