FirstStep
VA Program Q & A
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs
General Questions about VA Health Care
General Questions about VA Health Care
What is VA Health Care?
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care program provides a broad range of health
care benefits to veterans enrolled in VA.
VA offers many special programs specifically to veterans and their families who are homeless.
Where can I get more information
about VA Health Care?
For more information on VA Health Benefits, visit www.va.gov/health_benefits/.
For more information on VA Health Care in your state, please visit www.va.gov/sta/guide/division.asp?divisionId=1.
VA Health Care and Eligibility
Who is eligible for VA Health
Care?
To receive VA Health Care benefits, your clients must be veterans enrolled
with VA unless they:
- Have a service-connected disability of 50 percent or more
- Want care for a disability that developed or worsened in the line of duty
- Want care for a service-related disability only
Your clients are eligible to enroll in VA if they:
- Were honorably discharged from active military service
- Served at least one day of active duty before September 7, 1980
- Served at least two years of active duty in a row after September 7, 1980
- Were a National Guardsman or Reservist, who served the entire period of active duty by Federal order for other than training purposes
VA Health Care Application Process
How do my clients enroll for VA
Health Care?
To receive VA Health Care, your clients must first be enrolled in VA.
Your clients can enroll in VA Health Care by completing the application for health benefits, 10-10EZ. This application can be obtained by visiting, calling or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office. Every VA Medical Center has a Homeless Veterans Coordinator who can help veterans who are homeless with the enrollment process.
To find your local Homeless Veterans Coordinator, visit
www.va.gov/homeless/docs/HCHV_Programs_ByState.pdf.
Your clients can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access
the form on the Internet at www.va.gov/1010ez.htm.
What do my clients need to enroll
in VA Health Care?
Your clients may need to provide the following information to enroll in VA
Health Care:
- Application for health benefits 10-10EZ
- Service discharge form DD-214 or DD-215
- Request pertaining to military records form SF180
- Income information (i.e., any forms of welfare or public assistance)
What special programs does VA
offer for people who are homeless?
The VA offers several programs specifically to meet the needs of people who
are homeless including:
- Aggressive outreach to those veterans living on streets and in shelters who otherwise would not seek assistance
- Clinical assessment and referral to needed medical treatment for physical and psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse
- Long-term sheltered transitional assistance, case management, and rehabilitation
- Employment assistance and linkage with available income supports
- Supported permanent housing
What is the best way to submit
applications for VA Health Care? The Internet, U.S. mail or fax?
Where can my clients download or find the applications they need?
While the application for health benefits can be completed online, there is
a requirement for a hand written signature. Therefore, the best way to submit
an application is either by mail or by fax. The application form can be obtained
online at www.va.gov/1010ez.htm.
If my clients do not have the
appropriate documentation needed to apply, how can I help them obtain
this information?
If your clients need to obtain a copy of their military records, you may use
a Standard Form 180 Request Pertaining to Military Records, available at VA
offices or at
www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_
personnel_ records/standard_ form_ 180.html.
How long is the typical turn-around
for application approval?
Enrollment is an ongoing process. To apply, a veteran must complete the VA
form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ, which may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing
any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office, is also available
on the Internet at www.va.gov/1010ez.htm.
To locate a local VA office, visit www.va.gov/sta/guide/home.asp.
Once my clients are enrolled in
VA Health Care, do they need to renew their benefits?
Once enrolled, most veterans will remain enrolled from year to year without
further action on their part. However, certain veterans are required to provide
income information to determine their priority level. Those veterans will be
requested to update a 10-10EZ on an annual basis.
Veterans may choose not to be re-enrolled, or changes in VA funding may reduce the number of priority groups VA can enroll in a given fiscal year. Any veteran who is affected will be notified in writing.
VA Health Care and Immigration
If my clients are immigrants,
are they still eligible for VA Health Care benefits?
YES. An immigrant is eligible to receive VA benefits as long as he/she is in
this country legally, served in the U.S. military and received an honorable
discharge.
Does the VA provide special provisions
for women who are veterans?
YES. The VA has established the Center for Women Veterans to ensure women veterans
have access to VA benefits and services, and to ensure VA health care and benefits
programs are responsive to the gender-specific needs of women veterans.
VA offers women who are veterans comprehensive medical services including:
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Primary care
- Women’s gender-specific health care (e.g., hormone therapy, breast and gynecological care, maternity care)
- Acute medical/surgical, emergency and substance abuse treatment
- Mental health, domiciliary, and rehabilitation care
Is there someone my homeless women
veterans can contact for more assistance?
Your clients can contact the local Homeless Veteran Coordinator, Social Work
Services department, or Women Veterans Coordinator at their local VA Medical
Center. The Women Veterans Coordinator can discuss what options are available
in your clients’ area.