Va Insurance: Public Or Private?

VA health care is provided by the United States government for veterans who meet basic service and discharge requirements. It covers regular checkups, appointments with specialists, and other services like home health and geriatric care. If you have other forms of health care coverage, such as a private insurance plan, you can continue to use VA health care alongside these plans. However, VA health care is not considered a health insurance plan.

VA health care and other insurance

VA health care is provided by the United States government. If you have other forms of health care coverage (like a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE), you can use VA health care benefits alongside these plans.

Veterans with private health insurance may choose to use it as a supplement to their VA health care benefits. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance of VA's insurance claim not paid or covered by their health insurance. However, it is important to inform your VA doctor if you are receiving care outside of VA so your health care can be coordinated.

VA is required by law to bill private health insurance providers for medical care, supplies, and prescriptions provided for the treatment of non-service-connected conditions. All veterans applying for VA medical care are required to provide information on their health insurance coverage, including their spouse's coverage. Any payment received by VA may be used to offset the veteran's VA copayment responsibility.

Funds that VA receives from third-party health insurance carriers go directly back to the VA Medical Center's operational budget to improve veterans' health care.

Veterans enrolled in both VA and Medicare have more flexibility and options to choose from. For example, they can access community physicians and obtain prescription drugs not on the VA formulary if prescribed by community physicians and filled at their local retail pharmacies.

Eligibility for VA health care

VA health care is provided by the United States government for veterans who have served in the active military, naval, or air service. To be eligible for VA health care benefits, veterans must not have received a dishonourable discharge.

Most veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. However, this minimum duty requirement may not apply to veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated during their service, or who were discharged early due to hardship. There are many other exceptions to the minimum duty requirements, and the VA encourages all veterans to apply to determine their enrollment eligibility.

Veterans who served in a theatre of operations after November 11, 1998, are eligible for an extended period of health care eligibility for five years after their discharge. In the case of multiple call-ups, the five-year enrollment period begins on the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service.

If you have other forms of health care coverage, such as a private insurance plan, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, you can continue to use VA health care benefits alongside these plans. However, the VA is required by law to bill private health insurance providers for medical care, supplies, and prescriptions provided for the treatment of non-service-connected conditions.

Each veteran's medical benefits package is unique and will include care and services to help treat illnesses and injuries, prevent future health problems, improve their ability to function, and enhance their quality of life. All veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care. The full list of covered benefits depends on the veteran's priority group, the advice of their VA primary care provider, and the medical standards for treating any health conditions they may have.

VA health care costs

VA health care is provided by the United States government. It is committed to providing free health care for conditions related to military service and for veterans with catastrophic disabilities and disability ratings of at least 50%.

Veterans with private health insurance may choose to use it as a supplement to their VA health care benefits. Veterans are not responsible for paying any remaining balance of VA's insurance claim not paid or covered by their health insurance.

VA health care covers:

• Treatment for illnesses and injuries
• Preventing future health problems
• Improving your ability to function
• Enhancing your quality of life

The full list of covered benefits depends on:

• Your priority group
• The advice of your VA primary care provider
• The medical standards for treating any health conditions you may have

Some of the services covered include:

• Health exams
• Health education
• Immunization against infectious diseases
• Counseling on genetic diseases
• Inpatient hospital services
• Urgent and emergency care services
• Mental health services
• Assisted living and home health care
• Prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor
• Therapy and rehabilitation services
• Routine eye exams and preventive tests
• Dental care

The VA health care system is the country's largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,200 care locations serving nearly 9 million veterans each year.

VA health care application

VA insurance is public insurance offered by the United States government.

The VA health care application process can be completed in four ways: by phone, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for VA health care:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before starting the application, it is important to determine if you are eligible for VA health care benefits. To be eligible, you must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and not have received a dishonorable discharge. Certain exceptions apply if you were discharged due to a disability or hardship.

Step 2: Gather Information

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, the next step is to gather the necessary information for the Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). This includes:

• Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your qualified dependents.
• Military discharge papers (DD214 or similar) and military service history, including details about exposure to toxins or hazards.
• Insurance card information for all insurance providers that cover you, including your spouse's or partner's insurance.
• Gross household income information from the previous year for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
• Deductible expenses from the past year, including healthcare and education costs.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application

You can choose to apply by phone, mail, or in person. If you choose to apply by phone, call the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, and a representative will guide you through the application process. This hotline is operational Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

To apply by mail or in person, you will need to fill out and sign the VA Form 10-10EZ. If you are unable to sign your name, you can sign with an "X" in the presence of two witnesses who will also need to sign and print their names on the form. Along with the form, you may need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form if someone is acting as your power of attorney. Send the completed application to the Health Eligibility Center at the provided address, or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

Step 4: Seek Assistance (Optional)

If needed, you can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help with the application process.

Step 5: Check Application Status

After submitting your application, you can check its status online. If you haven't heard back after a week, contact the VA hotline for assistance.

It is important to note that having other forms of health insurance does not affect your eligibility for VA health care benefits. Additionally, VA health care covers a range of services, including preventive care, inpatient hospital services, urgent and emergency care, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.

VA health care benefits

Each veteran's medical benefits package is unique and depends on factors such as their priority group, the advice of their VA primary care provider, and the medical standards for treating their health conditions. All veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care.

• Preventive care services such as health exams, health education, immunizations, and counseling on genetic diseases.
• Inpatient hospital services, including acute care and specialized care for organ transplants, intensive care, and traumatic injuries.
• Urgent and emergency care services at VA-approved facilities.
• Mental health services for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, depression, and substance use problems.
• Assisted living and home health care, depending on the individual's needs and income.
• Prescriptions written or approved by a VA doctor.
• Ancillary services, such as diagnostic tests, therapy and rehabilitation services, and additional services like prosthetic items, audiology, and radiation oncology.
• Non-medical services, such as beneficiary travel benefits, caregiver support, and veterans transportation services.

Veterans with private health insurance can use VA health care benefits alongside their existing plans. VA health care is not considered a health insurance plan, and veterans are encouraged to keep their private insurance, as it can be used as a supplement to their VA benefits. Additionally, having a secondary source of coverage can be beneficial in case of future changes in VA funding.

Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits online, by phone, by mail, or in person, and there are resources available to help them understand their eligibility and navigate the application process.

Frequently asked questions