Veterans Benefits Explained

January 7th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a benefits package that provides hospital and outpatient medical care and treatment. VA's priority system ensures that veterans with service-connected disabilities and those below the low-income threshold are granted top priority for receiving care. There is no monthly premium required for VA care. However, depending on the veteran's situation, co-payments may be required.

The Uniform Benefits Package available to all enrolled veterans includes:

Inpatient hospital care
Ambulatory care
Emergency care in a VA facility
Home health care
Respite care
Hospice care
Prescription drugs, pharmaceuticals and durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds
Adult day health care

Although many veterans qualify for free health care services based on a compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factor, most are required to complete an annual financial assessment to determine if they qualify for free services. Veterans whose household income and net worth exceed the established threshold must agree to co-payments to become eligible for VA health care services. The financial assessment determines the enrollment priority group and the co-payments, if any, that apply.

Call VA Health Care at (877) 222-VETS or visit the VA Web site for more information.

Eligibility and Qualifications Veteran must be enrolled in the VA health care system
Most veterans required to report household income and net worth annually

Posted in: Paying for Care, Paying for Long Term Care