There are approximately 70 million people in the US who are eligible to receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); that includes veterans, their family members, and survivors of veterans. The VA provides a wide range of medical benefits that is available to all veterans who are enrolled in their healthcare system. Eligibility for enrollment into the VA system depends on a number of factors, and to enroll, veterans must fill out an application.
The VA medical benefits package provides comprehensive preventative care services, diagnostic and treatment services, and medications and other supplies. These benefits are available in VA hospitals and clinics throughout the country.
VA preventative care services include:
- Immunizations
- Physical examinations and health assessments
- Screening tests
- Health education programs
VA diagnostic and treatment services include:
- Emergency inpatient and outpatient care in VA facilities
- Routine medical care
- Surgery
- Mental health care
- Substance abuse services
Medications and supplies available through the VA include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Medical and surgical supplies
Depending on a veteran’s eligibility and priority status, the cost for these may require a co-payment (e.g., $15 for a primary care visit, $8 for a 30-day supply of medications).
Veterans who were actively enrolled in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during World War II) and were discharged under other-than-dishonorable conditions may be eligible for VA healthcare benefits. In addition, reservists for the National Guard who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA benefits. So, healthcare is available from the VA to many more veterans than just those who served in combat or who had service-connected injuries or medical conditions.
However, determining one’s priority for assistance under the VA program is complex. There are a number of procedures to follow to find out your priority level.
The VA conducts an annual enrollment system for the health benefits program. Veterans who have service-connected disabilities and those below the low-income threshold are prioritized for enrollment.
After that, eligibility for the VA’s healthcare benefits depends on a number of factors, including:
- The nature of the veteran’s discharge (i.e., honorable, other than honorable, dishonorable)
- Length of service
- Available VA resources
On January 17, 2003, the VA suspended new enrollment of veterans assigned to Priority Group 8—those who do not have other special eligibilities (e.g., a service-connected condition or recent combat service). Priority Group 8 is the VA’s lowest priority group, based on a high-income level. But veterans in Priority Group 8 who enrolled into the VA healthcare system on or before January 16, 2003 will remain enrolled.
To receive the benefits offered through the VA’s healthcare package, veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system. To enroll, you must fill out an application, called the
VA Form 10-10EZ
, Application for Health Benefits. This application can be accessed on the VA website, by calling or writing any VA healthcare facility or Veterans Benefits Office, or by calling the VA’s Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS.
The application will be used to determine whether your service qualifies for VA benefits and whether your veteran status places you in one of the priority groups eligible for healthcare.
