At Finger Lakes Community Health, we care deeply about the veterans in our community.
As a veteran myself — Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), US Army — I understand the challenges that come with military service and how confusing it can be to access care before and afterward. Many veterans are unaware of the services available to them or that they may even qualify for them. That’s one way we can help.
At FLCH, we’ve taken the extra step to enroll in the Veterans Community Care Program. This means that veterans who are eligible for VA benefits can sometimes receive services right here, eliminating the need to drive hours to a VA hospital. We can also coordinate care with the VA to help you access medications, oxygen, or medical devices that may be covered through your benefits.
Understanding the gap
One thing many people don’t realize is that the VA only covers service-connected conditions. For example, if a veteran is being treated at the VA for health issues caused by Agent Orange exposure, like prostate cancer or diabetes, they may still need primary care for other health needs. That’s where we come in.
Sometimes, veterans skip care because they think they can’t afford it. For instance, Medicare typically covers only 80% of oxygen costs. If someone is struggling to pay the remaining 20%, we can reach out to the VA and ask, “Can this be covered another way?” That kind of care coordination can make a real difference in someone’s health and quality of life.
Are you a veteran?
Here’s something important: many people who served in the military don’t think of themselves as veterans. I didn’t either, for a long time. You may think, “I wasn’t in combat,” or “I didn’t retire from the military,” so you don’t check the box that says “veteran.”
But if you served in any branch of the military, active duty, National Guard, or Reserves, you may be eligible for services and support. That’s why we don’t just ask, “Are you a veteran?” We ask, “Have you ever served in the military?” And that simple question can open the door to resources that people never knew were available to them.
Deployment and coming home
Another area we support is families dealing with deployment or mobilization. Many local service members are in the National Guard or Reserves. Their families stay behind while they serve overseas or respond to disasters like floods and wildfires here at home. These families may be raising children solo for months or even years. That creates stress, behavioral changes in kids, and sometimes financial strain.
And when service members come home, there’s a period of adjustment. I’ve been through that myself. After being mobilized for two years, I came home to a family that had learned how to function without me. Everyone needs time to readjust and re-learn roles—and we support that process through behavioral health and family care.
A local success story
We recently worked with a young man who had served in the military but was facing financial difficulties. He was struggling with homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues. He didn’t think of himself as a veteran, but we helped him connect with the local Veterans Service Office and encouraged him to apply for VA benefits.
With persistence and support, he was eventually approved for 100% VA disability, which changed his life. He now has stable housing, a monthly income, and access to both medical and mental health services. He still comes to us for primary care, but now he also has long-term support from the VA.
How FLCH makes a difference
At Finger Lakes Community Health, we have community health workers, behavioral health specialists, and care navigators who work together to help veterans and their families. Whether it’s connecting someone to the VA, helping a family through deployment, or just asking the right questions during a checkup, we’re here to support those who serve.
If you or someone you love has served in the military — even if it was years ago or in a non-combat role — talk to your FLCH provider. Be sure to include your military service with your health history, as you may qualify for VA-connected services.
You served us. Let us serve you.
Family Nurse Practitioner Ellen Hey is the Chief Clinical Officer at Finger Lakes Community Health.
