VA Health Care

Veteran’s health care benefits date back prior to the American Revolution, where different colonies provided for any disabled soldier wounded while defending the colony. In 1776, the Continental Congress established disability pensions (now called disability compensation) for veterans who became disabled during military service and individual states and communities provided direct medical and hospital care given to veterans during this time. In 1811, the first domiciliary and medical facility for veterans was authorized by the federal government, but did not open until 1834.

In 1917, Congress created new veteran benefit programs for disability compensation for veterans, and vocational rehabilitation for the disabled.

In 1930, Congress authorized the establishment of the Veterans Administration to consolidate and coordinate government activities affecting veterans. Congress also created many new benefits for veterans after World War II because the number of veterans needing assistance grew significantly.

In 1996, Congress passed the Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Reform Act which became effective October 1, 1998. This law created the Medical Benefits Package plan available to all enrolled veterans in VA hospitals or other VA medical facilities.

Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administers VA health care. Day-to-day health care services are managed by the VA’s Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). The VA health care is funded through appropriations from Congress.

In general, the VA provides a comprehensive benefit package to veterans covering in-patient and outpatient services, dental care, home health care, prescription drug coverage, long term health care, and much more. Usually, the VA will provide care or services prescribed by a VA provider. In some cases the VA may authorize care by a non-VA provider.

To be eligible for VA Health Care veterans generally need to meet VA’s character of discharge requirements, with a discharge honorable or general under honorable conditions, and, in general, have 24 months of continuous active duty military service.  Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 10% or above are automatically eligible for VA health care. The VA will review the financial criteria of veterans who are not eligible for cost-free care by conducting a financial assessment, which will determine their assignment to a priority group, and whether the veteran is required to pay a co-payment.

Most veterans must enroll into the VA health care system to receive benefits, however, certain veterans are exempt from the enrollment process, as they are automatically eligible. Enrolled veterans are assigned to one of eight priority groups; higher priority group have priority access to the VA health care and are less likely to pay co-payments.

Veterans may enroll in person at any VA facility, by mail, or online. In addition, certain veterans must complete an annual Health Benefits Renewal form to update assets and income information.

	Caution: The information contained in this chapter does not cover the many complexities that exist in obtaining VA Health Care. There may be exceptions to eligibility that are not listed in this chapter. Therefore it is advisable to find additional information if a veteran does not meet the criteria listed in this chapter.