subject: What Is Va Health Care Benefits [print this page] There are many ways that a Veteran may qualify to receive top-notch VA health care at over 1,400 medical centers and clinics across the nation. The VA has highly trained physicians and clinicians that allow the VA to address many specialties. You may also be able to receive assistance with prescription medication. VA health care is portable.
VA provides a Medical Benefits Package to all enrolled Veterans. This comprehensive plan provides a full range of preventive outpatient and inpatient services within VA health care system. Also, once you enroll in the VA's health care system, you can be seen at any VA facility across the country.
Veterans are requested to provide health insurance information. VA is required to submit claims to insurance carriers for treatment of all nonservice-connected conditions. Reimbursement received from insurance carriers are retained at the VA health care facility where treatment was received. These funds are used to provide additional health care services to all veterans.
In addition combat veterans returning from active military service may be eligible to receive free health care services and nursing home care for up to two years, beginning on the date of separation from active military service. This benefit covers all illnesses and injuries except those clearly unrelated to military service (common colds, injuries from accidents that occurred after discharge, disorders that existed before joining the military). Dental services are not included. If you want treatment for health conditions you claim are related to combat operations, you will be physically examined.
Most nonservice-connected veterans and noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans are required to complete an annual means test or to agree to pay VA the applicable copayment. The means test is based on their family's income and net worth. Some veterans are required to make copayments for their care and medications.
Certain nonservice-connected and 0% noncompensable service-connected veterans are required to fill out the financial worksheet, which we refer to as the "Means Test." A means test is a gathering of financial information by which VA determines your priority group for enrollment, and whether or not you are required to make copayments for the service you receive. The means test is based on prior year income and net worth.
However, you can apply for an exemption from paying those copayments to avoid a hardship if projections of your income for the current year will be substantially below the applicable income threshold. It is important to be aware that VA healthcare is not just for retirement military members, but depending on various circumstances, you could be eligible for this insurance and receive anywhere from two years to lifetime benefits, depending on how long you served, disability status, combat-related duties and several other factors.
