Community Resources, Alternative Sources for Medical Care and Prescription Drugs

All community resources, both public and private, should be used both for the prevention of disease and treatment of illness. Procedures for the use of these health services should be carefully planned so that all agencies concerned, as well as recipients involved, will understand the purpose of the services and the method of obtaining them. If these services are not readily available in a particular city or town, adjacent communities should be utilized. An applicant who is a veteran shall agree to utilize alternative sources of medical care and prescription drugs such as Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics and the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke. Any co-payment or fees assessed the veteran by these facilities for medical care or prescription drugs may be reimbursed to the veteran. This provision shall not apply when it would be unreasonable for the veteran due to age, physical condition or distances involved in traveling to utilize such alternative sources.