Va Insurance: Millions Covered

In the United States, nearly 9 million veterans receive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs each year. While VA health care is not available to all veterans, those who qualify for it can use their benefits alongside other forms of health care coverage, such as private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.

Among veterans under the age of 65, 8.6% (approximately 1.3 million individuals) were uninsured in 2000. This number declined to 5.5% (510,000 individuals) in 2016.

In 2016, 5.5% of working-age veterans were uninsured

In 2016, 5.5% of working-age veterans in the United States were uninsured. This equates to 510,000 individuals. This figure represents a decline in the number and rate of working-age veterans without health insurance over the previous four years. Notably, veterans under the age of 35 experienced the most significant decreases in their uninsured rates between 2013 and 2016, narrowing the age gap in health insurance coverage between younger and older working-age veterans.

The availability of health insurance is of particular concern for veterans due to their unique medical needs, which often arise from illnesses and injuries sustained during military service. While veterans have access to a unique source of health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), it is not accessible to all former service members. Eligibility for VA health care is determined by factors such as veteran status, service-connected disability status, and income level.

Among uninsured veterans, approximately one-quarter may be eligible for VA health care based on their service-connected disability status or income level. In 2016, about one-third of working-age veterans (2.8 million) utilised or were enrolled in the VA health care system. Of these, 732,000 (25.8%) relied solely on VA coverage, while the majority (74.2%) had additional types of health insurance.

The issue of uninsured veterans is not new. A 2007 study found that 8.6% of veterans under the age of 65 were uninsured, and previous studies have indicated that some uninsured veterans are unaware of their eligibility for VA health care. This situation has led to calls for targeted recruitment and enrollment efforts to ensure that eligible veterans have access to the health care they require.

VA health care can be used with other insurance plans

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the country, serving nearly 9 million veterans each year across more than 1,200 care locations.

If you have other forms of healthcare coverage, such as a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, you can continue to use VA health care benefits alongside these plans. It is always a good idea to inform your VA doctor if you are receiving care outside of the VA system so that your healthcare can be coordinated.

Veterans with private health insurance may choose to use this as a supplement to their VA health care benefits. By law, the VA is required to bill private health insurance providers for medical care, supplies, and prescriptions provided for the treatment of non-service-connected conditions. This means that veterans applying for VA medical care must provide information on their health insurance coverage, including any coverage under their spouse's plan. However, veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance of the VA's insurance claim not paid or covered by their health insurance.

The VA encourages veterans to keep their private insurance due to the uncertainty of future funding and the potential loss of VA health care benefits. Additionally, the VA does not typically provide care for veterans' family members, so keeping private insurance ensures coverage for them as well.

Enrolling in both VA and Medicare can provide veterans with flexibility and more options for care. For example, veterans enrolled in both programs can access community physicians and obtain prescription drugs not on the VA formulary if prescribed by community physicians and filled at local retail pharmacies.

The VA also works with other health insurance plans, such as High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), to cover non-service-connected care.

VA life insurance is available for veterans with service-connected disabilities

The US Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of health and insurance benefits to veterans, including VA life insurance. This type of insurance is available for veterans with service-connected disabilities and provides financial security and peace of mind for those who have served their country.

VA Life Insurance (VALife) is a program that offers low-cost life insurance coverage to veterans with service-connected disabilities. It is a guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance policy, which means that veterans who meet the eligibility requirements will automatically have their application approved, without having to prove they are in good health. This insurance policy can provide much-needed financial protection for veterans and their families in the event of their death.

Eligibility for VALife

To be eligible for VALife, veterans must have a VA service-connected disability rating, even if the rating is 0%. There is no age limit for applying, but the process differs slightly for veterans aged 81 and older. For those under 81, there is no time limit to apply after receiving a disability rating. However, for those aged 81 and above, it is necessary to have applied for VA disability compensation before turning 81 and received a rating after turning 81. Additionally, they must apply for VALife within two years of getting their disability rating.

Benefits of VALife

VALife offers several benefits to eligible veterans. Firstly, it provides up to $40,000 in whole life insurance coverage, which can be a crucial safety net for veterans and their families. Secondly, it offers a cash value component that starts to accumulate two years after the application is approved. This cash value can be accessed and used for various purposes, such as supplemental income or covering unexpected expenses. It is important to note that VALife does not offer loans, so the cash value cannot be borrowed against.

Cost of VALife

The cost of VALife depends on the veteran's age when they apply and the amount of coverage they desire. The premium rates are fixed and will not increase as long as the policy is maintained. Veterans have the option to pay their premiums monthly or annually. For those under 30, monthly premium rates for $10,000 coverage range from $10.90 to $43.60, while for those aged 81 and above, the rates are significantly higher, ranging from $133.80 to $442.00. It is important to note that VALife does not offer premium waivers, so veterans are responsible for paying the premiums throughout the duration of the policy.

Application and Support for VALife

Veterans can apply for VALife by checking their eligibility and submitting their application online. They will need to provide their first premium payment at the time of application. For those with existing Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) policies, they have the option to either apply for VALife or maintain their S-DVI coverage. The VA Life Insurance Center offers support and can answer questions about VALife and other VA life insurance policies.

VA health care covers mental health services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides mental health services to cover a broad range of mental health conditions, including substance abuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. These services are provided in both outpatient and inpatient settings, with general and specialty mental health care available.

To access VA mental health services, veterans can call or walk into any VA medical center at any time, regardless of their discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care. They can also contact any Vet Center during clinic hours or call the dedicated mental health hotline. Additionally, the VA offers a Veterans Crisis Line, providing confidential and free support 24/7 for veterans in crisis or those concerned about someone who is.

The VA also provides mental health resources and support for specific groups, such as transitioning service members, veterans seeking support, family members or friends, LGBTQ+ veterans, and student veterans. These resources include online tools, smartphone apps, telemental health programs, and peer assistance programs like the BeThere program, which offers support to service members, their families, and transitioning veterans.

VA health care can be used alongside other forms of health care coverage, such as private insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE. The VA actively encourages veterans to maintain their private health insurance, especially as it covers veterans' family members, who are not normally provided for by the VA.

The specific mental health services covered by the VA include:

• Short-term, inpatient care for severe or life-threatening mental illnesses
• Outpatient care for serious mental illnesses that impact daily functioning
• Regular outpatient care, including phone-based care, for veterans facing difficult times
• Rehabilitation treatment and residential programs for veterans with mental health issues and other needs, such as homelessness, job training, and education
• Primary care for common mental and behavioral problems
• Supported work settings to help veterans join the workforce and live well in the community
• Emergency mental health care 24/7 through VA medical centers and some local non-VA hospitals

VA health care covers prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor

VA health care is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving nearly 9 million veterans each year. It is available to those who qualify and covers the services needed to help veterans get and stay healthy. Each veteran's medical benefits package is unique and includes care and services to treat illnesses and injuries, prevent future health problems, improve their ability to function, and enhance their quality of life.

VA health care can be used alongside other forms of health care coverage, such as private insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE. However, for non-service-connected conditions, the VA may bill the veteran's private health insurance provider for any care, supplies, or medicine provided. It is important for veterans to inform their VA doctor if they are receiving care outside of the VA to ensure proper coordination of their care.

Frequently asked questions