This may seem like an inconsequential point, but Senator McCain is a retired, regular naval officer. As such, he will generally seek treatment in a military hospital (or under DoD's TriCare system) rather than in a VA hospital. Obviously, as a Senator, he has additional health treatment options. The point, however, is that RETIRED personnel are eligible for DoD health care, while veterans generally are not.
[This message has been edited by RWK (edited August 21, 2000).]