how to get va medical treatment

You can apply for VA medical benefits online, by phone, mail, or in person. The VA will make its decision within one week. Manage Your Care with My HealtheVet

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How do I get help with the VA Medical Center?

Contact the patient advocate at the VA medical center where you go for care. Your patient advocate can help you get foreign language or American Sign Language services to help you or your family members understand your medical or health care benefits.

Can you receive VA health care?

VA Health Care Eligibility – Can You Receive VA Health Care? Many military veterans aren't aware they are eligible to receive medical care through the VA. This guide shows you how to determine if you are eligible and learn how to enroll in VA health care. Advertising Disclosure.

Where can I get medical care if I have a VA-approved facility?

This may include care at a VA-approved: Walk-in retail health clinic for minor illnesses like a sore throat or earache Urgent care facility for more pressing (but not life-threatening) illnesses or injuries that require treatment like splinting, casting, or wound care

How do I enroll in the VA health care system?

This article covers how to enroll in the VA health care system. Applying with for 10-10EZ and providing all relevant information will generally enroll you in the VA medical care system. Most veterans will automatically remain enrolled in the system from year to year.

Who is eligible for treatment at the VA?

If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Can the VA refuse to treat you?

You can agree to or refuse any treatment. You will be told what is likely to happen to you if you refuse a treatment. Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health.

Will the VA pay for outside treatment?

VA can pay for emergency medical care outside the United States if the emergency is related to your service-connected condition.

Is medical free for Veterans?

The VA will provide you free health care for conditions that are caused or made worse by your military service. If you have severe injuries or disabilities you may be eligible to receive all your medical care for free from the VA, not just that care related to your injuries.

How Much Does VA health care cost per month?

The charge ranges from $5 to $11 for each 30 day or less supply of medications provided on an outpatient basis for nonservice-connected conditions. Outpatient – The copayments will be based on primary care visits ($15) and specialty care visits ($50).

Why would a veteran be denied benefits?

Causes for ineligibility of benefits The veteran was dishonorably discharged. The injury occurred while the veteran was avoiding duty, such as while deserting or absent without leave (AWOL) The injury occurred while the veteran/service member was in prison or detained due to court martial or civil court felony.

Can VA fill prescriptions from non VA doctors?

VA cannot fill prescriptions that are written by private physicians. Will the VA pay for a prescription filled at a non-VA pharmacy? No. VA is not responsible for payment of outside physician's fees or medication.

What disqualifies you from VA benefits?

If you're a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.

Will the VA pay for my surgery?

VA medical facilities provide a wide range of services, including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy.

Can a veteran go to any hospital in an emergency?

Eligibility requirements notwithstanding, Veterans should always seek care at the nearest medical facility during a medical emergency, and never delay emergency medical care.

Do all Veterans qualify for VA benefits?

All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA's) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.

Can Veterans use local hospitals?

VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA.

How to Establish Eligibility For VA Medical Benefits

VA health care eligibility is based upon active duty military service in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines (duri...

VA Health Care Eligibility Questionnaire

Let’s start by looking at some basic eligibility requirements, based on the VA health care eligibility questionnaire:1. Are any of these statements...

Applying For VA Health Care Benefits

Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefi...

Required Supporting Documentation

You can reduce the application processing time by providing information about your service when you apply. This includes documentation such as your...

VA Health Care Enrollment

Applying with for 10-10EZ and providing all relevant information will generally enroll you into the VA medical care system. Most veterans will auto...

How many priority groups are there for VA?

When you apply for VA health care, you’ll be assigned 1 of 8 priority groups. This system helps to make sure that Veterans who need immediate care can get signed up quickly. Your priority group may affect how soon we sign you up for health care benefits.

Can I get VA health care benefits if I served in the military?

Am I eligible for VA health care benefits? You may be eligible for VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.

What is VA approved walk in clinic?

This may include care at a VA-approved: Walk-in retail health clinic for minor illnesses like a sore throat or earache. Urgent care facility for more pressing (but not life-threatening) illnesses or injuries that require treatment like splinting, casting, or wound care.

What are the benefits of being a veteran?

Treat illnesses and injuries. Prevent future health problems. Improve your ability to function. Enhance your 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 your covered benefits depends on:

Do veterans need to complete a financial assessment?

This will depend on factors like your income level, disability rating, and military service history. Most Veterans need to complete a financial assessment when they enroll. This helps us determine if you qualify for free VA health care. Learn more about VA copays.

Do you have to pay a VA copay if you live in Alaska?

You don't need us to approve (or "preauthorize") your care before you get treated, and. You don't need to pay a VA copay. If you live in A laska. You may be able to receive care through an Indian Health Service facility or Tribal Health facility even if you're not an eligible American Indian or Alaska Native Veteran.

What is VHIE in VA?

Through VHIE, community providers who are a part of your care team can safely and securely receive your VA health information electronically. VHIE helps improve continuity of your care, reduce test duplication, and avoid clinical error.

Can you opt out of Vhie?

VHIE sharing options. If you don't want your community providers to receive your information via VHIE, you may opt out of electronic sharing at any time. And if you previously opted out but want to resume secure, seamless sharing, you may opt back in. Visit the VHIE Sharing Options page to learn more.

Can I opt out of VA electronic sharing?

Yes. Please contact your VA facility's ROI office. If you've already submitted your form to opt out, or to opt back in, to the electronic sharing program, your request may be in process. Last updated: October 23, 2020. Back to top.

How to update VA health insurance?

Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefits. These forms are also used to update your current information if anything has changed. There are several ways you can fill out or update the 10-10EZ: online, by phone, by mail, or in-person at a VA medical facility. Here is the info you need: 1 Online: Visit this link and fill out the form. 2 Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. A VA rep will send you a completed form via mail. You will need to verify and sign the form, then return it to the VA. 3 Mail: Complete Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR and mail it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. 4 In person: Visit any VA Medical Center or clinic. Here is the VA Directory.

What are the eligibility factors for VA health care?

VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more. You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, ...

Can veterans use VA medical centers?

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can use VA medical centers, but health care benefits aren’t only limited to those individuals. Let’s dispel some of the myths about VA health care eligibility, see who is eligible, and learn how you can apply for VA health care benefits.

Can you get VA health care if you are on active duty?

Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty on a Federal Executive Order (this generally excludes active duty for training purposes). Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical care.

Can you visit a VA clinic?

Each case is unique, and final benefits decisions rest with the VA. VA health care eligibility only means you can visit VA medical centers and clinics for health care. It does not necessarily mean all health care is 100% free (some medical care may be free, however, many veterans may be required to pay a co-pay).

Do you need a service connected disability rating to be eligible for VA health care?

Misconceptions about VA health care eligibility: It is not a requirement to have served in combat or in a war zone. You do not need a service-connected disability rating. You did not need to be injured or wounded while in the service.

Do you have to pay co-pays for VA?

There may be limitations on the type of health care you may be eligible for, and some medical care may require a co-pay or other associated cost, depending on your VA Priority Group, the nature of your coverage, and the medical care you receive.

How to access VA mental health services?

To access free VA mental health services right away: Call or walk in to any VA medical center —anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility. Call or walk in to any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center. Call us at 877-222-8387.

What is the VA mental health number?

We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. Learn more about accessing VA mental health services. To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members:

How many hours a day does the VA provide mental health care?

This includes: Emergency mental health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through VA medical centers and some local, non-VA hospitals. The Veterans Crisis Line, which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends. Learn more about VA mental health services.

How to contact the VA about homelessness?

Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homelessness programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.

What is medical emergency?

A medical emergency is an injury, illness or symptom so severe that without immediate treatment, you believe your life or health is in danger. If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (ED) right away. Video: Emergency Care. YouTube. Subscribe.

Do you have to check with the VA before calling for an ambulance?

Veterans do not need to check with VA before calling for an ambulance or going to an ED. During a medical emergency, VA encourages all Veterans to seek immediate medical attention without delay. A claim for emergency care will never be denied based solely on VA not receiving notification prior to seeking care.

Does the VA pay for emergency medical care?

In general, VA can pay for emergency medical care at a local ER for a Veteran’s service-connected condition, or if the care is related to a Veteran’s service-connected condition. VA can also pay for emergency medical care for a Veteran’s non-service connected condition.

Do veterans have to seek medical care?

Eligibility requirements notwithstanding, Veterans should always seek care at the nearest medical facility during a medical emergency, ...

Why is the VA process so easy?

One reason the process was easier is because VA is using Referral Coordination Teams (RCTs). RCTs simplify the process when a Veteran’s health care provider refers them to another provider, whether in VA or in the community.

How many VA visits were made in fiscal 20?

With increased safety measures to minimize exposure to COVID-19, VA completed more than 66 million Veteran visits in fiscal 20, including in-person appointments, telephone and video visits.

How many VA employees are there in 2020?

VA has hired more than 86,000 employees since the end of March 2020. That includes 18,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners.

How many VA video visits will there be in 2020?

VA’s use of video visits increased by more than 1,700% within fiscal year 2020. Video visits accounted for 160,000 video visits to homes in a single week. “In-person care is absolutely the right way for a provider to meet with a patient for many health concerns.

Can veterans ask for a PACT?

Veterans can ask their provider or PACT team for more information. They can expect these three changes when the teams are in place at their location: More information about available options for appointments, including face-to-face care, virtual care options or even a telephone appointment if that’s appropriate.

Does the Mission Act increase VA care?

With the MISSION Act, VA has also increased opportunities for Veterans to receive community care when VA facilities are too far away, have longer wait-times, and don’t have the care services Veterans need, or other circumstances.

Is VA referral easier than ever?

VA health care referrals are getting easier than ever for Veterans. During Army Veteran Joy Ilem’s recent visit to the Washington, D.C. VA medical center, her primary care provider referred her to a specialist in the community for her annual mammogram.

How long can you wait to see a VA doctor?

For specialty care, they can see private doctors at VA expense if they have to wait longer than 28 days or drive more than an hour to see a VA provider. Previously, veterans who had to drive more than 40 miles or wait longer than 30 days could choose to see a private doctor paid for by the VA.

Can you go to a VA urgent care clinic without approval?

The rules going into effect Thursday also allow veterans to go to non-VA urgent care clinics at VA expense without prior approval, though they may have to pay a co-payment. Trump signed the law last June, known as the VA MISSION Act, but its key provisions didn’t take effect until now.