State to offer health care to some vets not covered by VA

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http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-vets19.html

Gov. Blagojevich unveiled a new state health care program for veterans Wednesday that will provide coverage to former military personnel who currently aren't eligible for treatment at federal Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics. snip

"This is a natural extension to our All Kids and Family Care health care programs," said Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who helped draft the veterans plan. "The veterans who need this program the most are those who are in their 20s and 30s who answered the call to duty after 9/11 at great personal sacrifice."

The most likely recipients, Quinn said, would be single men and women who have finished their military service and are going to college, working part time or working at jobs in which they don't receive health coverage.

"They may be working for Wal-Mart and not getting health care coverage and not in an income category to qualify under the federal VA, and they fall through the cracks," he said.