Logan Reid
Veterans Affairs (VA) health care offers a comprehensive health care package that covers regular check-ups, appointments with specialists, and access to services like home health and geriatric care. To register with VA health care, you must first meet the eligibility criteria, which includes having served 24 continuous months of active duty. Once you've determined your eligibility, you can apply for VA health care benefits online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The application process involves filling out the VA Form 10-10EZ, providing necessary documentation, and being placed into one of eight Enrollment Priority Groups based on factors such as income and service-connected disabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for VA health care? | Veterans who have served for 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty. This minimum duty requirement may not apply if: they were discharged due to a disability or hardship; they served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11; or they were exposed to toxins or hazards while working with chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, X-rays, or other toxins during their service. |
| What does VA health care cover? | Regular checkups with a primary care provider, appointments with specialists (e.g., cardiologists, gynecologists, mental health providers), home health and geriatric care, medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. In some cases, free limited dental care is also provided. |
| How to apply for VA health care | Fill out VA Form 10-10EZ. You don't need to provide information about your income and expenses unless you're not eligible based on other factors. You can apply online, by phone, fax, mail, or in person. |
| Application support | You can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help with your application. |
| Application status | If it has been more than a week since you submitted your application and you haven't heard back, you can call the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. |
| Priority groups | Once enrolled, you will be placed into one of eight priority groups, which may affect the timing of your sign-up and how much you'll have to pay toward the cost of your care. |
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What You'll Learn
Check your eligibility for VA health care
If you are a military veteran, you may be eligible for health care benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Your eligibility for VA health benefits depends on your service history, income, and whether or not you have a disability.
To be eligible for VA health care, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty. This minimum duty requirement may not apply if:
- You were discharged for a disability caused or worsened by your active-duty service.
- You were discharged for a hardship or "early out."
- You were called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period.
If you had active-duty status for training purposes only, you are not qualified for VA health care. However, if you served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11, you are eligible.
Additionally, if you were exposed to toxins or hazards while serving, you may be eligible for VA health care. This includes exposure to chemicals, pesticides, lead, asbestos, certain paints, nuclear weapons, X-rays, or other toxins during training or active duty, even if you were never deployed.
When you apply for VA health care, you will be assigned one of eight priority groups. This system ensures that veterans requiring immediate care can be signed up quickly. Your priority group may impact how soon you are signed up and how much you'll need to pay for your care. It's important to note that having other health insurance coverage does not affect the VA health care benefits you can receive.
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How to apply for VA health care
Veterans Affairs (VA) health care provides comprehensive health care that is portable across the entire VA health care system. This includes coverage for regular checkups, appointments with specialists, home health and geriatric care, and prescriptions.
To apply for VA health care, you will need to fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). You can apply online, by phone, fax, or mail. You will be placed in one of eight priority groups, which will determine how soon you are signed up for health care benefits and how much you will have to pay toward the cost of your care.
When filling out the application, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your Social Security number and those of your spouse and/or dependents
- Information from your current health insurance card
- Income from jobs and other sources for you, your spouse, and any dependents, along with deductible expenses
If you are using a power of attorney, you will need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application. If you sign with an "X," two people you know must witness your signature.
You can also work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for health care benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, you can call the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
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What to do after submitting your application
After submitting your application for VA health care, there are several things to keep in mind and steps to take.
First, you should expect to receive a letter in the mail informing you of whether your application has been approved. If more than a week has passed without receiving this letter, you are advised to call the VA's toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711) rather than submitting a new application.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a welcome call from the VA. During this call, they will help you schedule your first doctor's appointment and answer any questions you may have about your health care benefits. You will also receive your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) and your Veterans Health Benefits Handbook, which will outline your specific health care benefits, copay information, and other relevant details.
If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter outlining the reason for the rejection and instructions on how to request a decision review or appeal. You will have 60 days from the date of this letter to gather and submit evidence supporting your eligibility for VA health care, after which a final decision will be made.
It is important to note that you can cancel or decline enrollment at any time by submitting a signed and dated request. Additionally, if you need to update your personal, insurance, or financial information, you can do so by filling out a Health Benefits Update Form (VA Form 10-10EZR).
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What to do if you haven't heard back
To register with a VA hospital, you must meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having served for 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty. There are exceptions to this rule, including if you were discharged for a disability caused or worsened by your active-duty service or if you were discharged for a hardship or "early out."
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for VA health care benefits by completing VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. You can apply online, by phone, fax, or mail. You will need to provide information such as your Social Security number, military discharge papers, military service history, details of exposure to toxins or hazards, insurance information, and gross household income.
If you haven't heard back after applying for registration with a VA hospital, here are the steps you can take:
- Wait for at least a week: The VA advises applicants to wait for at least a week after submitting their application before expecting a response.
- Call the toll-free hotline: If more than a week has passed and you haven't received any communication, call the VA hotline at 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711). They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. You can also try refreshing your browser and reloading your saved application before calling.
- Check your mail: If your application has been approved, the VA will send you a welcome call and a Veterans Health Benefits Handbook by mail. The handbook will explain your specific health care benefits, copay information, and other important details.
- Request a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): You can request your VHIC card online or in person at your nearest VA medical center. This card will be used to check in at your VA health care appointments.
- Schedule your first doctor's appointment: If you requested a doctor's appointment during your application, you will receive a notice of your appointment time by mail. If you didn't request one, the VA will help you set up an appointment during your welcome call.
- Update your information: If needed, you can update your personal, insurance, or financial information from your earlier application by filling out VA Form 10-10EZR, the Health Benefits Update Form.
Remember, if you haven't heard back, do not submit another application. Instead, use the resources provided to follow up on the status of your application.
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Additional benefits you may qualify for
Additional Benefits of Registering with a VA Hospital
When you sign up for VA health care, you become part of the country's largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,200 care locations serving nearly 9 million veterans annually. You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and did not receive a dishonorable discharge. Here are some additional benefits you may qualify for when registering with a VA hospital:
Urgent and Emergency Care
VA health care provides access to urgent care facilities for illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention but are not life-threatening. This includes walk-in retail health clinics for minor illnesses and urgent care facilities for more pressing issues, such as splinting or wound care. In certain conditions, you may also have access to emergency care in a non-VA hospital or clinic.
Medical Specialties and Equipment
VA health care covers regular check-ups with primary care providers and appointments with specialists, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers. You can also access medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. Additionally, there is support for hearing loss through audiology services and cancer care through radiation oncology.
Transportation Assistance
Veterans can receive assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments through the Veterans Transportation Service. There are also beneficiary travel benefits to help cover travel expenses related to treatment.
Community Resources
VA health care can help connect you with resources in your community, such as homeless shelters or faith-based organizations. They also offer a 24/7 private counseling service through the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.
Life Insurance and Burial Benefits
You can explore life insurance options and burial benefits specifically tailored to veterans' needs, including compensation for survivors.
Education Benefits
VA health care also includes access to education benefits, such as the GI Bill, to assist with college and training programs.
To learn more about your specific benefits and eligibility, you can contact your nearest VA medical center or visit their website to review the eligibility criteria and application process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for VA health care online, by phone, by mail, or in person. You will need to fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). You can also work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for health care benefits.
You are eligible for VA health care if you served in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 and meet the basic service and discharge requirements. You must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called. If you are unsure if you qualify, you can check the eligibility criteria on the VA website.
VA health care covers regular checkups with your primary care provider and appointments with specialists, such as cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers. It also includes services like home health and geriatric care, as well as access to medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions.
