Health Care for Veterans

Veterans who have served with honor are eligible to enroll for VA Health Care. The VHA, or Veterans Health Administration, is the United States biggest integrated healthcare system, having over 1,700 medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country. This is world-class healthcare that is provided at little to no cost for many veterans. There is always a hope that you will not need to use your healthcare coverage much, but having it there provides a lot of peace of mind and other benefits. You will want to apply so that you can take advantage of these benefits when you need them. Having access to an entire system of high-quality, comprehensive care is a huge benefit. Keep in mind that even though you may be healthy now, in the future your health may decline. Getting into the system now is a good idea.

Why Choose VA Healthcare Over Medicare Coverage?

With VA healthcare, you might receive a number of services that Medicare does not cover. This can include physical exams and specific types of preventative care, dental care, in-home care that is long-term, nursing home residential care that is long-term, and more. In addition, copayments and deductibles are generally lower for people using VA healthcare than they are for people using Medicare. This can also include lower prices for things like prescription drugs. Sometimes veterans can qualify for both Medicare and VA healthcare, something that you can look into as well.

Who Qualifies For VA Medical Benefits?

It can be fairly complicated to figure out who qualifies for veterans medical benefits, so older adults may want assistance and encouragement while applying. A priority system is used by the VA to medical benefit levels for the people who enroll. For people who have served on active duty in the military, they may be eligible for at least some benefits. People who have been called up for active duty as a reserve or part of the National Guard may also qualify for benefits. Enrollment is the first step in the process, and is free to do.

Unfortunately, the VA health system cannot provide full care to all veterans. This has resulted in a complicated priority system to determine benefits and out-of-pocket costs. There are eight groups that veterans can be divided into, with the highest priority groups eligible for the lowest costs and the most services.

How To Apply For Veterans Medical Benefits

Veterans have to formally enroll with the VA in order to get benefits. The VA will decide which priority group the veteran is in, which impacts which healthcare services he can get. Enrollment is free, and even if a person is not in a higher priority group now it is possible they will be moved into one at a later point if their situation and health status changes.

What Help Will I Get? Is It Worth It To Apply?

Enrollment is free, so it is definitely worth it to apply. You can use the tools here to learn more about eligibility for veterans medical benefits, and taking the time to enroll can be well worth it. The help that you are eligible to receive is dependent on the priority groups mentioned above. The priority groups are based on a number of factors, including disability connected to service, disability in general, income, and more. These variables, as well as others, have an impact on the costs veterans, will pay for their VA healthcare benefits.

Signing up is incredibly important for other reasons as well. Having access to low or no cost healthcare can help ease stress related to finances, and even if you are very healthy now, this might not always be the case. It is possible to enroll now and be in a lower priority group, but then have your health change to where you are in a higher priority group and receive more benefits at better rates. Enrollment in VA healthcare also satisfies your ACA health coverage requirement, meaning no additional insurance plan is needed.

Take the time to apply today; VA healthcare coverage can have a large impact on your life.