I was supposed to at a different VA, but when I moved to this state in 2019, they said I didn't need it. I asked and pleaded for continuity of care, but they said that every VA operates differently.

I'd have to see one with my original Medicare outside of the VA and pay copayments on that if I want to see a specialist. I might do that. I just have to find a reputable one though. Many doctors and nurses out here remain unvaccinated and follow Dr. Cole, from what I've heard.

Also, there was this free prediabetes program through Medicare, and when I called the local number that Medicare provided, they told me that they don't get paid enough from Medicare to do that, and that I should just join a gym in their YMCA instead. They were very rude and judgmental to me on the phone, instead of helping me with the free Medicare program that they were supposed to offer. I hope they aren't getting paid for that program and not providing it to anyone, or to only a select few. That wouldn't be fair. It was supposed to be a program to help reverse prediabetes.

So now I'm back to square one with trying to do things on my own. Even when you have Medicare as a backup, you don't really have anything at all if the doctors fail to accept it, and if the doctors also are buying into some other kind of belief system that prevents them from vaccinating around here. They will mask, but they won't even use N95s. I just don't get them out here. I just don't feel safe.

The good news is that the VA is mandated to get vaccinated and follow certain protocols, so 85% are said to be vaccinated. But the rest all have excuses. Who knows what they are basing the 85% on though; nurses or doctors, one or the other?