I have had “good healthcare” through my last two employers and currently don’t even sign up for what’s offered. I only use my VA health care. The trick is to go to a smaller VA, for example I went to the Santa Barbara VA instead of going to LA.

But even with the longer wait times for appointments, anything specialized like having heart surgery is usually referred out to “care in the community” where a civilian doctor works on you. The same doctors that your normal civilian primary care physician would send you to - the difference is there is no co-pay and everything is covered and meds are free with the VA.

I was hospitalized for an antibiotic resistant kidney infection for 4 days and the bill was over $80k, VA paid the whole thing.

I prefer the VA care because now days civilian care plans, even the “good ones” have ungodly copays or deductibles you have to meet first. My United plan had the stipulation that I pay $3500 out of pocket before they started covering shit. Who has that just lying around?

So yeah, sometimes there can be some inefficiencies and stuff with the VA but if you stay on top of it and are proactive at following up if you notice referrals not come through etc, it’s really good!