Who qualifies for VA medical benefits?
- You were discharged or separated for medical reasons, early out, or hardship
- You served in theater of combat operations within the past 5 years
- You were discharged from the military because of a disability (not preexisting)
- You are a former Prisoner of War
- You received a Purple Heart Medal
- You receive VA pension or disability benefits
Does the VA offer health insurance?
VA health care coverage is available for family members of certain Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died serving our country and in some cases, Veterans with children who have Spina Bifida.
What are my VA health benefits?
We cover urgent and emergency care services, like:
- Urgent or emergency care at some VA health facilities. ...
- Urgent care for injuries and illnesses that need attention right away, but aren't life threatening, at urgent care locations that are part of our contracted network. ...
- Emergency care in a non-VA hospital, clinic, or other medical setting—only under certain conditions. ...
What VA benefits Am I entitled to?
Veterans’ groups said a big part of the problem is that families don’t always know what benefits they are entitled to or if eligibility has been expanded or changed to include them.
What qualifies you for VA benefits?
Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable may qualify for VA health care benefits including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members.
Do US Veterans get free healthcare?
The VA will provide you free health care for conditions that are caused or made worse by your military service. If you have severe injuries or disabilities you may be eligible to receive all your medical care for free from the VA, not just that care related to your injuries.
What VA rating gets you free healthcare?
We're committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for Veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%, as well as for those who can't afford to pay for care. Learn more about how we'll determine if you'll need to pay for any part of your care.
Can any veteran receive VA benefits?
All veterans, regardless of priority group, are generally entitled to the same medical services after enrollment. Visit the VA website for a comprehensive description of the medical benefits provided, including doctors' visits, mental health care, emergency care, in-patient hospital services, and more.
What qualifies you to be a veteran?
38 U.S.C. § 101(2) provides: The term "veteran" means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. (E) authorized travel to or from such duty or service.
How many years do you have to serve to be a veteran?
"Anyone who has reached 20 years of service, even if they were never activated on a [federal] order for more than 180 days outside of training, will now be considered a veteran," he said. The change in law, said Krenz, simply recognizes those who serve.
Do Veterans get free prescriptions?
Typically, VA drug coverage has no premiums and no or limited copayments for prescriptions—but you must use VA pharmacies and facilities. You may want Part D coverage if you: Live far from a VA pharmacy or facility, or do not want to use a VA provider to get prescriptions.
Do Veterans get paid for life?
The SSA evaluates military records when claimants apply for benefits, and qualifying veterans can get a lifetime earnings credit for wages during service. Eligibility is based on length of service.
What is the difference between military healthcare and the VA?
The VA is not the same as the Military Health System or TRICARE. The VA's system is separate from the health-care system that the military uses for active-duty personnel, retirees, dependents, and military families. The military, instead, operates the Military Health System.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The VA disability rating 5-year rule states that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot reduce a veteran's disability rating if it has been in place for five years or more unless the condition shows sustained improvement over time. In this situation, the veteran's rating is considered a stabilized rating.
What is the maximum income to qualify for VA benefits?
Annual Income Limits - Health BenefitsVeteran with:VA National Income ThresholdVA Pension with Aid and Attendance Threshold0 dependents$34,616 or less$23,2381 dependents$41,539 or less$27,5492 dependents$43,921 or less$29,9313 dependents$46,303 or less$32,3134 more rows•Feb 14, 2019
What are the benefits of being a veteran?
Treat illnesses and injuries. Prevent future health problems. Improve your ability to function. Enhance your quality of life. All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care. The full list of your covered benefits depends on:
What is VA approved walk in clinic?
This may include care at a VA-approved: Walk-in retail health clinic for minor illnesses like a sore throat or earache. Urgent care facility for more pressing (but not life-threatening) illnesses or injuries that require treatment like splinting, casting, or wound care.
Do veterans need to complete a financial assessment?
This will depend on factors like your income level, disability rating, and military service history. Most Veterans need to complete a financial assessment when they enroll. This helps us determine if you qualify for free VA health care. Learn more about VA copays.
Do you have to pay a VA copay if you live in Alaska?
You don't need us to approve (or "preauthorize") your care before you get treated, and. You don't need to pay a VA copay. If you live in A laska. You may be able to receive care through an Indian Health Service facility or Tribal Health facility even if you're not an eligible American Indian or Alaska Native Veteran.
What is VA health benefits?
Your comprehensive VA Health Benefits package includes all the necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services to promote, preserve or restore your health. VA medical facilities provide a wide range of services, including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy.
Where can I get extended care for veterans?
Veterans can receive care at home, at VA medical centers or in the community.
What is a state veteran home?
State Veterans Homes are facilities that provide nursing home, domiciliary or adult day care. Each state establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes. For more information about your State Veterans Home, contact the Veterans home directly or Social Work Service at your local VA facility.
What is VA transportation?
The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) is designed to ensure that all qualifying Veterans have access to care through convenient, safe, and reliable transportation. VTS provides qualifying Veterans with free transportation services to and/or from participating VA medical centers (VAMCs) in a multi-passenger van. This service ensures that all qualifying Veterans who do not have access to transportation options of their own due to financial, medical or other reasons, are able to travel to VA medical facilities or authorized community appointments to receive the care they have earned. Visit www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/map.asp to see a list of VTS sites and points of contact in your area to assist you meet your transportation needs.
What is VA home telehealth?
VA’s Home Telehealth, also known as Care Coordination/Home Telehealth, allows the Veteran’s physician or nurse to monitor the Veteran’s medical condition remotely using monitoring equipment. Veterans can be referred to a care coordinator for Home Telehealth services by any member of their care team. The Home Telehealth program aims to make the patient’s home the preferred place to receive care, whenever possible.
How to contact VA caregiver support?
For more information, contact your local VA medical facility and speak with a caregiver support coordinator, visit www.caregiver.va.gov or call toll-free at 1-877-222- VETS (8387) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.
Can female veterans receive gynecologic care?
Routine gynecologic services. Female Veterans are potentially eligible to receive care provided in the community when authorized by VA; however, the decision to use such care is left to the facility providing your care.
Does VA health care meet the ACA?
If I’m signed up for the VA health care program, does that mean I meet the requirements to have health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Yes. Being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act health coverage requirement of having “minimum essential health coverage.”.
Does VA pay deductible?
Your private insurer may apply your VA health care charges toward your annual deductible (the amount of money you pay toward your care each year before your insurance starts paying for care).
What is a VA health card?
The VHIC safeguards your personal information – the member ID and card number have eliminated the need for your Social Security number to be on the card. Similar to a typical health insurance card, the VHIC signifies your enrollment in VA health care.
What is the VA handbook?
The handbook will detail your VA health care benefit information, based on your specific eligibility factors, in an organized, easy-to-read format. It also includes information on your preferred facility, copayment responsibilities, how to schedule appointments, ways to communicate treatment needs and more.
What does a notification letter mean for a veteran?
If the information provided assists in determining that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating continued eligibility status. If the Veteran is determined not eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating the:
What can veterans expect from their Pact?
Veterans can expect their PACT to help them use health care services, including eHealth technologies , which are necessary to optimize their health and well-being. For more information, visit www.patientcare.va.gov/primarycare/PACT.asp or contact the enrollment coordinator at your local VA medical facility.
How long does it take for VA to make a final decision?
The reason for the decision (lack of proof of Veteran status, eligibility, etc.) At the end of the 60 days and after thoroughly reviewing any new evidence or information submitted, VA will make a final eligibility determination.
How long does it take for a VA to notify you of a disenrollment?
Enrolled Veterans who are receiving health care benefits and are later determined to not be eligible for enrollment will be notified via letter 60 days prior to disenrollment. This will give the Veteran adequate time to provide VA with the needed information to finalize the enrollment decision and, if necessary, transfer his or her medical care to the private sector or to seek other options for medical care.
How to get a VHIC?
To obtain a VHIC, you will need to provide one form of primary identification: your driver’s license, passport, or other federal, state or local photo ID with your address, to your local VA health care facility and have your photo taken.
How to update VA health insurance?
Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefits. These forms are also used to update your current information if anything has changed. There are several ways you can fill out or update the 10-10EZ: online, by phone, by mail, or in-person at a VA medical facility. Here is the info you need: 1 Online: Visit this link and fill out the form. 2 Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. A VA rep will send you a completed form via mail. You will need to verify and sign the form, then return it to the VA. 3 Mail: Complete Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR and mail it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. 4 In person: Visit any VA Medical Center or clinic. Here is the VA Directory.
What are the eligibility factors for VA health care?
VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more. You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, ...
Can veterans use VA medical centers?
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can use VA medical centers, but health care benefits aren’t only limited to those individuals. Let’s dispel some of the myths about VA health care eligibility, see who is eligible, and learn how you can apply for VA health care benefits.
Can you get VA health care if you are on active duty?
Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty on a Federal Executive Order (this generally excludes active duty for training purposes). Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical care.
Can you visit a VA clinic?
Each case is unique, and final benefits decisions rest with the VA. VA health care eligibility only means you can visit VA medical centers and clinics for health care. It does not necessarily mean all health care is 100% free (some medical care may be free, however, many veterans may be required to pay a co-pay).
Do you need a service connected disability rating to be eligible for VA health care?
Misconceptions about VA health care eligibility: It is not a requirement to have served in combat or in a war zone. You do not need a service-connected disability rating. You did not need to be injured or wounded while in the service.
Do you have to pay co-pays for VA?
There may be limitations on the type of health care you may be eligible for, and some medical care may require a co-pay or other associated cost, depending on your VA Priority Group, the nature of your coverage, and the medical care you receive.
How to file a VA claim?
The process varies depending on the provider’s preferences: 1 The provider can file the claim with the VA, and you only pay any applicable deductibles. You can also choose to use your Medicare benefits. 2 You pay for the fees relating to the services you received, then submit your own claim to the VA. This option takes longer, but it might prove necessary if you can’t get to a VA hospital. 3 Use your Medicare benefits instead of your VA medical benefits. You might prefer this option if you don’t have the money to pay up front for services rendered as described in the second option.
How to avoid paying penalties for VA?
To avoid paying penalties, make sure you enroll in a creditable drug plan by the due date. VA medical benefits offer a creditable drug plan that might prove more cost-effective than other options, such as Medicare or TRICARE. Sometimes, paperwork gets lost or buried.
Can disabled veterans live near VA hospitals?
Some disabled veterans don’t live near VA hospitals. In this case, they may receive fee-based identification cards. They can present these for treatment at a health care facility or doctor’s office. Be sure to call ahead before accepting an appointment since not all providers accept these cards.
Does Medicare cover VA hospital?
If you get medical care at a VA hospital, your VA benefits will generally cover the costs. This is because the VA uses providers who are covered under the plan, so you won’t necessarily need the institution to submit any claims to Medicare. However, Medicare can also cover services included with your VA medical benefits.
What are the discharge requirements for VA compensation?
Discharge Requirements for Compensation Benefits#N#To receive VA compensation benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general).
What is the Montgomery GI Bill?
To receive VA education benefits and services through the Montgomery GI Bill program or Post-9/11 GI Bill program, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be honorable. To receive VA education benefits and services through any other VA educational benefits program, including the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) ...
Can you receive VA benefits if you are dishonorable?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.#N#Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Can you get VA benefits for bad conduct?
However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA. Read the factsheet on claims for benefits involving other-than-honorable discharges.
Is there a character of discharge bar for veterans?
Generally, there is no character of discharge bar to benefits to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. However, for Service Disabled Veterans Insurance and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance benefits, the Veteran’s character of discharge must be other than dishonorable.
Can a veteran receive a VA home loan?
To receive VA home loan benefits and services, the Veteran’s character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). Discharge Requirements for Insurance Benefits.
Medical Benefits Package
- Your comprehensive VA Health Benefits package includes all the necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services to promote, preserve or restore your health. VA medical facilities provide a wide range of services, including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology an...
Preventive Care Services
- Immunizations
- Physical Examinations (including eye and hearing examinations)
- Health Care Assessments
- Screening Tests
Ambulatory (Outpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Primary and Specialty Care
- Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
Hospital (Inpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Medical
- Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
Meeting Women Veterans' Unique Needs
- Our staff delivers the highest quality health care in a setting that ensures privacy, dignity, and sensitivity. Your local VA facility offers a variety of services, including: 1. Women’s gender-specific health 2. Screening and disease prevention 3. Routine gynecologic services Female Veterans are potentially eligible to receive care provided in the community when authorized by VA; however, t…
Available Long-Term Care Services
- The following is a list of standard benefits. For more information on Extended Care Services and Geriatrics, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/access/geriatrics.asp.
Additional Services
- Geriatric Evaluation
Geriatric evaluation is the comprehensive assessment of a Veteran’s ability to care for him/herself, his/her physical health and social environment, which leads to a plan of care. The plan could include treatment, rehabilitation, health promotion and social services. These evaluati… - Geriatrics and Extended Care
Geriatrics and Extended Care provides services for Veterans who are elderly and have complex needs, as well as Veterans of any age who need daily support and assistance. Veterans can receive care at home, at VA medical centers or in the community.