What is included in VA medical benefits?
Benefits include: Inpatient and outpatient care at VA medical facilities. Prescription drugs from VA providers. Long-term care depending on needs, income, and space availability.
How do I check my VA coverage?
Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
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.
What kind of VA benefits can I get?
Veteran's Benefits ExplainedDisability compensation.Veteran's pension programs.Free or low-cost medical care through VA hospitals and medical facilities.Education programs.Housing and home loan guarantees.Job training.Small Businesses and business loans (Through Small Business Administration)Counseling.More items...•
Do all Veterans get VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
Are all Veterans eligible for TRICARE?
Not all members of the armed forces qualify for every type of TRICARE coverage. In general, only limited TRICARE benefits are available to National Guard and Reserve members who are not on active duty or do not have orders to activate. While some plans are available, not all provide full health insurance.
Do veterans get free healthcare for life?
If you are a 50% or greater disabled veteran or a former POW, all your medical care from the VA is free. There are other groups that may get some, or all VA medical care for free, see our VA Copay page for details.
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.
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.
Do all veterans get a monthly check?
The Veterans Pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits.
At what age does VA disability stop?
age 67When veterans reach age 67, all VA disability payments would revert to the amount associated with the rated disability level; veterans age 67 or older who are already receiving IU payments would no longer receive them after the effective date of the option.
How to pay VA copay?
Pay your VA copay bill. Pay your VA copay securely online, by phone or mail, or in person— and find out what to do if you're struggling to make payments. Check your VA claim status. Track the status of an open VA health care appeal.
What are the VA programs?
Veterans programs for health and wellness. Explore VA programs to help you get and stay healthy in both body and mind. Community care. If you’re enrolled in VA health care, find out how you may be able to receive care from a provider in your local community through community care.
What is VA social work?
VA social workers are assigned to all patient treatment programs, including community-based outpatient clinics . They provide social and clinical services to Veterans and their families in resolving the social, emotional, and economic problems associated with the stresses of illness.
What is VA medical benefits package?
Medical Benefits Package. Today's Veterans receive a Medical Benefits Package, which VA administers through a patient enrollment program. Along with your enrollment in the VA health care system comes the assurance that health and treatment services will be available when and where you need them.
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.
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.
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care provides rehabilitative and long-term health maintenance care for Veterans who require some medical care but do not require all the services provided in nursing homes. Domiciliary care emphasizes rehabilitation and a return to 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.
What is a medical foster home?
Medical Foster Homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides services to a few individuals. Some, but not all, residents are Veterans. VA inspects and approves all Medical Foster Homes. Contact your VA social worker or case manager for more information on Medical Foster Home care.
Inside Veterans Benefits
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What does enhanced eligibility mean?
You may qualify for enhanced eligibility status (meaning you’ll be placed in a higher priority group, which makes you more likely to get benefits) if you meet at least one of the requirements listed below. At least one of these must be true.
How many priority groups are there for VA?
When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.
How long did you serve at Camp Lejeune?
Served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. If none of the above apply to you, you may still qualify for care based on your income. Learn more about how the amount of money your family makes can affect whether you qualify for VA benefits. Learn more about income limits.
Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?
Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
What do veterans get for their rehabilitation?
While enrolled in a rehabilitation program, veterans receive a monthly subsistence allowance in addition to compensation or retirement pay.
What is the DVA for alcohol?
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment. Eligible veterans are admitted to any of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) medical centers for the treatment of alcohol or drug dependence or associated medical conditions.
Why are veterans hospitalized?
They are hospitalized in a military hospital for a condition likely to be compensable; They were discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions; The VA determines they need vocational rehabilitation services to achieve suitable employment because of an employment handicap.
How much is the Federal Benefits booklet?
It is sold for $5.50 a copy through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
How many cemeteries does the VA have?
Veterans, service members and family members are eligible for burial in one of the VA’s 114 national cemeteries. An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service.
What are the benefits of a VA national cemetery?
Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the grave site, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special grave sites for cremated remains. Headstones, markers and their placement are provided at government expense.
What is FEHBP in medical terms?
The new program had to provide medical benefits comparable to those provided to former civilian employees under the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan’s (FEHBP) Temporary Continuation of Coverage. The 1995 Authorization Act extended this benefit to children placed for legal custody or for the purpose of adoption.
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.
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.