How to Enroll in VA Health Care: Eligibility, Priority Groups, and What Is Covered

VA health care is one of the most valuable benefits available to eligible veterans, but it is not automatic. You must apply to enroll, and your eligibility and priority group determine your cost-sharing and access to specific services.

Who is eligible

Most veterans who served on active duty and were separated under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible to enroll. Length of service requirements apply for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981. These veterans generally need 24 continuous months of active duty service.

Exceptions to the service requirements include veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who were discharged for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, and veterans of certain wartime service periods.

Combat veterans receive enhanced eligibility for a period after discharge. Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 are eligible for enhanced enrollment for five years after discharge regardless of other service requirements.

Priority groups

The VA assigns each enrolled veteran a priority group from 1 to 8 based on service-connected disability status, income, and other factors. Priority group 1 veterans, those with 50 percent or higher service-connected disabilities, receive care with no copays. Higher priority group numbers typically mean higher copays and sometimes limited access to specific services.

Your priority group can change. Getting a service-connected disability rating or an increase in your existing rating can move you to a higher priority group with better access and lower costs.

What VA health care covers

VA health care covers a wide range of services including primary care, specialty care, mental health care, prescription medications, preventive care, and in some cases dental and vision care. Not all VA facilities offer all services. Complex specialty care may require referral to a VA medical center.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive care for those conditions at no cost regardless of priority group. Care for conditions not related to service may involve copays depending on your priority group and income.

How to apply

Apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at your nearest VA medical center or clinic.

The application requires your DD-214 or other discharge documentation, financial information (income and assets) for priority group determination, and insurance information if you have other coverage.

Processing time varies but most applications are decided within a few weeks.

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Bill Advantage is a document literacy tool. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or medical advice.