San Francisco VA Medical Center

One of the highest priorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs is meeting the needs of former Prisoners of War (POWs), extraordinary men and women who have endured captivity, suffered extreme deprivation and sacrificed their own freedom to preserve the freedom of all Americans.

Former POWs receive special priority for health care in VA hospitals and clinics.  They are exempt from making copayments for inpatient and outpatient medical care and medications.  They are eligible for dental care, eyeglasses and hearing aids.  Extended care services such as in-home care and nursing home care are available.  The wives and widows of former POWs are also eligible for some pension benefits.

• A Former POW support group meets twice monthly, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, from 10 - 10:45 a.m.
  
• Our VA Medical Center is in contact with the Luzviminda Chapter of the American Ex-POW Organization.
  
  
• We host a biennial POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony in the Fall.
  
  
• The VA actively reaches out to all former POWs who are not receiving their deserved VA benefits.  We will gladly assist any POW with questions and in initiating or reopening a claim.

Any questions should be directed to our Former Prisoners of War Advocate Alice Aronow, LCSW, Social Work Service, 415-221-4810 x2799.

To contact our Social Work Service call (415) 750-2044.