The University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center and Lexington’s Veterans Affairs Healthcare System are teaming up. UK and VA officials announced the partnership Thursday at UK Chandler Hospital. Lexington VA Executive Director Russell Armstead said the 83-thousand veterans his staff serves will be able to seek treatment at the Markey Cancer Center and its 19 affiliates around the state.
“And then at some point, there will be a transition for those veterans into the Lexington VA Healthcare System, but they'll have access to advanced cancer care treatments closer to where they live, because we're joining this network and it extends our reach.”
A UK Healthcare spokesperson said each affiliate of the Markey network, which now includes the VA, pays a membership fee.
Anna Rose, a clinical nurse specialist with the VA’s cancer program whose grandfather was a Korean War veteran who lost his battle with lung cancer in 2010, said Kentucky vets have higher rates of cancer than their civilian counterparts.
“I think it's probably safe to say they're one of the most high-risk populations within the Commonwealth. So it's really important that patients know that and seek their screening opportunities, talk to their primary care provider and get access to that care that we can offer.”
A VA spokesperson said veterans who receive free healthcare there won’t be charged at Markey affiliates, while those with VA co-pays will be charged the same amount by Markey.
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