VA helps veterans after closure of Anchor Medical

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — With the sudden closure of Anchor Medical, the Department of Veterans Affairs is stepping in to help veterans across Rhode Island.

After Anchor Medical announced its closure, thousands of patients — including many veterans — have been left searching for primary care.

To help fill that gap, the Providence VA healthcare system is hosting a special enrollment session.

“We hope they get a glimpse of what we have to offer here at the Providence VA Healthcare System – our state-of-the-art facilities,” Providence VA Medical Center Associate Director Erin Clare Seares said.

The walk-in event is open to all eligible veterans. Enrollment counselors will be on site, along with benefits representatives ready to help file disability claims.

Brown University Health, which handled administrative services for Anchor, said the state’s primary care system is facing a full-blown crisis.

A statement from Brown University read in part quote “Rhode Island’s healthcare system is in crisis due to low reimbursement rates, leading to provider shortages, clinician burnout, and financial instability among hospitals and physician groups… we are exploring multiple avenues to expand our network of primary care providers.”

For now, the focus remains on making sure veterans have a place to turn.