Accessing health insurance is complicated, and then there are veterans health insurance; with so many options, it can be challenging to determine which policy is best for your unique needs. So we’ll simplify things for you to make selecting the best veteran’s health insurance policy easier.
Veterans Health Insurance Options
Veterans Affairs
If you served in the military after September 7th, 1980, served for 24 consecutive months and were not dishonorably discharged, you are eligible for veterans affairs health insurance. VA health care offers regular checkups, specialized appointments with practitioners and home care treatment. However, there are income and net worth limitations that you must meet to qualify. Finally, keep in mind that the VA application process can be quite long, so start early.
There are two components offered through VA that are appealing to veterans:
- Aid and Attendance (A&A): A&A offers elderly veterans extra income (it won’t cover all medical expenses but will help) to help pay for home care to enable them to live at home. A&A is also available to veterans in nursing homes care.
- Housebound: If you served and are disabled, whether the disability was sustained during active duty or otherwise, housebound insurance provides veterans with an increased monthly pension.
TRICARE
TRICARE is a regionally managed health insurance program that provides military members and their families with insurance options. TRICARE serves active duty service members and retired veterans. Additionally, applicants aren’t limited to one plan; they can choose between 4 plans with a different benefits range. To qualify, you must be a:
- Uniformed service member
- National Guard or Reserve member
- Medal of Honor recipient (or family)
- Part of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
- Spouse of a veteran
CHAMPVA
The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is health insurance funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). CHAMPVA offers inpatient/outpatient care, mental health treatment and nursing for enrollees. To enroll in CHAMPVA you cannot be eligible for TRICARE. These are some enrollment requirements to be eligible for TRICARE, you must be:
- A child or spouse of a veteran rendered totally disabled
- A child or spouse of a veteran that passed from a disability
- A child or spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related disability
- A child or spouse of a veteran who died during active duty (not for reasons of misconduct)
Medicare
Medicare isn’t just available to seniors; it’s widely available to any senior over the age of 65. Medicare has many different health care options that depend on the plan the applicant selects. Some of the primary services offered through Medicare are laboratory tests, advance care planning, and home services.
Private Health Insurance
There is also the option of enrolling in private health insurance plans that are ACA-compliant (Affordable Care Act) and offered through the Marketplace. Here you will have the luxury of choosing how much you’ll pay and what kinds of health care services you want.
Applying For Health Insurance
The final step to access veterans health insurance is applying for it, and once you are approved, you can put your health care policy to good use!
When applying for veterans health insurance, you’ll need your:
- Social security number, as well as any dependents
- Military discharge papers
- Current insurance information
- Previous years tax return to show gross income and deductible expenses
Where To Apply?
You have a few different ways to apply for veterans health insurance at your fingertips, so figure out which method works best for you!
- Phone: Call (877) 222-8386 weekday between 8 am-8 pm EST and be sure to have all the necessary paperwork at the ready.
- Mail: Fill out the VA Form 10-10EZ, then mail to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329.
- Person: Using the same VA 10-10EZ form, visit your local VA medical center or clinic with your completed application and any pertinent documents.
- Need Help: If you’re having difficulty filling out the form, check out the eBenefits website and search for a local VA-recognized organization as they can assist you with the application. It’s also worth mentioning that this service is entirely free!
Getting Veterans Health Insurance
If you served for this great country, you are entitled to a little extra health care support with veterans health insurance, which in many cases it provides you with additional income to help pay for medical costs with consumercoverage. Regardless of which avenue you choose, make sure you investigate if you’re eligible, so you have peace of mind knowing your medical expenses are covered.