The Veterans Affairs healthcare system — commonly called VA healthcare — is one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States. It provides comprehensive medical care to eligible veterans of the U.S. military through a nationwide network of VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and community care providers. Understanding how VA healthcare works, who is eligible, and how to enroll can help veterans access the benefits they have earned through their military service.
What VA healthcare provides
The VA healthcare system provides a comprehensive range of medical services to eligible veterans including:
- Primary care and preventive services
- Specialty care including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics
- Mental health services including treatment for PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders
- Dental care for eligible veterans
- Vision care for eligible veterans
- Prescription drugs through VA pharmacies
- Inpatient hospital care
- Surgical services
- Rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Long term care services including nursing home care, home based primary care, and adult day healthcare
- Women’s health services
- Telehealth services
- Caregiver support services
Who is eligible for VA healthcare
Eligibility for VA healthcare is based primarily on military service. To be eligible a veteran must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
Additional eligibility factors include:
- Length of service — most veterans who enlisted after September 7 1980 must have served at least 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which they were called to active duty
- Service connected disabilities — veterans with disabilities related to their military service are generally eligible for VA healthcare regardless of other factors
- Income — veterans without service connected disabilities may be subject to income-based eligibility criteria. However many veterans qualify regardless of income.
- Special eligibility groups — certain groups of veterans have enhanced eligibility including former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, veterans exposed to certain toxic substances including Agent Orange and burn pits, and veterans who served in combat after November 11 1998
Priority groups
The VA assigns veterans to priority groups — numbered one through eight — based on factors including service connected disability rating, income, and military service history. Priority group assignment affects the cost of VA healthcare — veterans in higher priority groups generally pay less or nothing for their care.
Veterans in Priority Group 1 — which includes veterans with service connected disabilities rated 50 percent or more — receive free VA healthcare. Veterans in lower priority groups may be required to pay copays for certain services.
How to enroll in VA healthcare
To receive VA healthcare veterans must enroll in the VA healthcare system. Enrollment is free and can be completed in several ways:
- Online — at va.gov/health-care/apply/application
- By phone — by calling 1-877-222-8387
- In person — at your nearest VA medical center or clinic
- By mail — by completing VA Form 10-10EZ and mailing it to your nearest VA medical center
You will need to provide information about your military service, discharge status, and financial information when enrolling.
VA community care
The VA Community Care program allows eligible veterans to receive healthcare from non-VA providers in their community when VA care is not readily accessible. Veterans may be eligible for community care when:
- The VA does not offer the needed service
- A VA facility is not geographically accessible
- The veteran meets certain wait time criteria for VA appointments
- The veteran and their VA provider agree that community care is in the veteran’s best interest
Community care allows veterans to see local doctors, hospitals, and specialists while still having their care coordinated and paid for by the VA.
VA long term care services
The VA provides several long term care options for eligible veterans including:
- Community Living Centers — VA-operated nursing homes that provide short term rehabilitation and long term care for veterans who need nursing home level care
- Community nursing homes — the VA contracts with community nursing homes to provide care for eligible veterans
- Home based primary care — a VA program that brings primary care and other services to the homes of veterans with complex medical needs who have difficulty traveling to VA facilities
- Adult day healthcare — community-based programs that provide health monitoring, therapies, and social activities for veterans who need daytime supervision and care
- Homemaker and home health aide services — help with personal care and daily activities for veterans who need assistance at home
- Respite care — temporary relief for family caregivers of veterans
Mental health services
The VA is the largest provider of mental health services in the United States. VA mental health services include treatment for:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder — PTSD
- Depression and anxiety
- Traumatic brain injury — TBI
- Substance use disorders
- Military sexual trauma
- Suicide prevention
Veterans in crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for immediate confidential support.
Toxic exposure and the PACT Act
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics — PACT — Act of 2022 significantly expanded VA healthcare eligibility and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. The PACT Act extended eligibility to veterans exposed to:
- Burn pits and other airborne hazards during service in Southwest Asia and other areas
- Agent Orange during service in Vietnam and certain other locations
- Radiation during service at certain nuclear test sites or other locations
- Other toxic substances
Veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances during their service should contact the VA to find out whether they are eligible for expanded benefits under the PACT Act.
The Mission Act and access to care
The VA MISSION Act of 2018 expanded veterans’ access to care by strengthening the VA Community Care program and giving veterans more options for receiving care outside of VA facilities when VA care is not readily accessible. The MISSION Act also expanded caregiver support programs for veterans of all service eras.
How to get help navigating VA healthcare
Navigating the VA healthcare system can be complex. Resources for help include:
- Veterans Service Organizations — VSOs — organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, and DAV provide free assistance to veterans navigating VA benefits and healthcare
- VA patient advocates — every VA medical facility has patient advocates who can help veterans resolve problems and concerns with their VA care
- State veterans affairs agencies — most states have their own veterans affairs agencies that provide additional benefits and assistance to veterans
Key terms to know
- VA healthcare — the comprehensive healthcare system operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible veterans
- Priority group — a classification system used by the VA to determine veterans’ eligibility and cost sharing for healthcare
- Community care — VA-authorized and paid healthcare provided by non-VA providers in the community
- Community Living Center — a VA-operated nursing home
- PACT Act — federal legislation that expanded VA healthcare eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances
- Veterans Crisis Line — a confidential crisis support service for veterans available by calling 988 and pressing 1
- VSO — Veterans Service Organization, a nonprofit that provides free assistance to veterans
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
- Veterans Crisis Line — veteranscrisisline.net
- USA.gov — Veterans Benefits
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. VA healthcare eligibility and benefits are subject to change. Visit va.gov or contact a Veterans Service Organization for the most current information specific to your situation.