Military and Veteran News

🚨 Veterans Face Financial Risk After Emergency Care Without Timely VA Notification

January 24, 2026

Lorene Hardy Staff Writer

A missed 72-hour reporting deadline following a non-VA emergency room or urgent care visit can leave veterans and their families responsible for thousands in medical bills—making immediate action, documentation, and awareness critical

Veterans have 72 hours from the start of medical care to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs that the veteran s receiving or has received medical care from a non-va facility

If a Veteran receives emergency room or urgent care treatment at a NON-VA facility, there are critical steps that MUST be taken for the Department of Veterans Affairs to consider covering the bill.

⏰ 72-HOUR REPORTING WINDOW

You must notify the Department of Veterans Affairs within 72 HOURS of the start of the ER or urgent care visit.

⚠️ The clock starts when care begins, not when you are discharged.

📞 WHO TO CONTACT

• 24-Hour Non-VA Emergency Care Notification: 844-724-7842

• Community Care Billing Questions: 1-888-901-6601

(Mon–Fri, 8 AM–8 PM EST)

• Atlanta VAMC Care in the Community Team: 404-929-3344

(Weekdays, 8 AM–4:30 PM EST)

[Veterans are to contact their local representatives to report non-va care]

• Website: www.va.gov/community care

Now available on http://www.jjlbsllc.square.site

🏥 LOCAL VA EMERGENCY ROOM

Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center

📍 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033

🕐 Open 24/7

Available on http://www.JJLBSllc.square.site

⚠️ WHY THIS MATTERS

Failure to notify the VA within the 72-hour deadline may result in:

• Denial of payment

• The Veteran being personally responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills

• Delays or complications in future care coordination

📝 IMPORTANT PROTECTION TIP

Veterans and family members should:

• Write down the date & time you called

• Record who you spoke with

• Keep confirmation numbers, call logs, or emails

• Save hospital paperwork and discharge records

📌 BOTTOM LINE

VA payment is NOT guaranteed—but timely reporting is required to even be considered.

When in doubt, CALL IMMEDIATELY. Your health comes first—but protecting your benefits comes next.

Watch the full video on YouTube:

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The Greensboro Chronicle publishes investigative reporting based on publicly available records, documents, and firsthand accounts submitted by readers. References to individuals or businesses are for public-interest purposes only and do not constitute findings of liability or wrongdoing. Allegations described are presented as such and remain subject to verification, response, and adjudication by appropriate legal or regulatory authorities. The Greensboro Chronicle welcomes factual corrections and the opportunity for response from all parties mentioned.

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