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VA Health Care Overview
VA provides a Medical Benefits Package to all enrolled Veterans. This comprehensive plan provides a full range of preventive outpatient and inpatient services within VA health care system. Also, once you enroll in the VA’s health care system, you can be seen at any VA facility across the country.
If you are a Veteran, or know of a Veteran, who lacks health insurance, please visit our website:
http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/tools/Quick_Eligibility_Check/index.asp
or call toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. eastern time
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify and apply online. It’s easy. You will need your SSN, entrance and exit dates from active duty, and income information from last years tax return. If you need information about the online application your local Public Librarian is an excellent person to ask for help. Let them know you appreciate their time.
If you are in need of other services for Veterans, call toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. eastern time, or visit our website:
http://www.va.gov/landing2_vetsrv.htm
If you are in crisis or emotional distress and need to talk to someone right away, call 24/7:
Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Veterans Press 1
All Veterans are Potentially Eligible
You may be eligible! Below are some of the basic factors that go into determining your eligibility for health benefits:
- Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based solely on active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), and discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
- Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active duty by a Federal Executive Order may qualify for VA health care benefits. Returning Service Members, including Reservists and National Guard members who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations have special eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for five years following discharge from active duty.
- Health Care eligibility is not just for those who served in combat.
- Other Groups may be eligible for some health benefits.
- Veteran’s health care is not just for service-connected injuries or medical conditions.
- Veteran’s health care facilities are not just for men only. VA offers full-service health care to Women Veterans.
Do You Qualify?
There are many ways that a Veteran may qualify to receive top-notch VA health care at over 1,400 medical centers and clinics across the nation. The VA has highly trained physicians and clinicians that allow the VA to address many specialties. You may also be able to receive assistance with prescription medication. VA health care is portable. Once enrolled, you may receive care at your home facility as well as the nearest VA facility while traveling. If you are a Veteran, and you want low-cost, high-quality health care, please take a moment to see if you qualify.
Applying for VA Health Care, Nursing Home, Domiciliary or Dental Benefits
You can apply online for VA Health Care, Community Nursing Home, Domiciliary, or Dental Benefits by completing VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits. Be sure you sign and date the application (eSigning available online). You can obtain this form by:
- Accessing our web site, www.va.gov/1010EZ.htm
- Calling VA toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. eastern time
* You can indicate on the VA Form 10-10EZ if you desire an appointment at the same time you apply. There is no need to wait to request an appointment before your enrollment is confirmed. When your application is processed at the medical center, an appointment will be scheduled for you. You will be notified in writing of your appointment and your eligibility for medical care. For veterans requesting care for a service-connected disability, those appointments have a higher priority and will be scheduled within 30 days of the desired date.
Medical Benefits Package (Standard Benefits)
VA’s medical benefits package provides the following health care services to all enrolled veterans.
Preventive Care Services
- Immunizations
- Physical Examinations
- Health Care Assessments
- Screening Tests
- Health Education Programs
Ambulatory (Outpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services
- Emergency outpatient care in VA facilities
- Medical
- Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
- Chiropractic Care
- Mental Health
- Bereavement Counseling
- Substance Abuse
Hospital (Inpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment
- Emergency inpatient care in VA facilities
- Medical
- Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
- Mental Health
- Substance Abuse
Medications and Supplies
- Prescription medications
- Over-the counter medications
- Medical and surgical supplies
Women Veterans
Current estimates of the projected growth of women veterans predict there will be 1.9 million by 2020, up from 1.1 million in 1980. Thus, women will continue to make up a larger share of the veteran population, add to its diversity, and require veteran services geared to their specific needs. The debt owed to all of our veterans and to women in particular demands nothing less then full attention and action.
Women veterans may receive the full spectrum medical benefits package. They also receive the full continuum of comprehensive medical services including health promotion and disease prevention, primary care, women’s gender-specific health care e.g., hormone replacement therapy, breast and gynecological care, maternity and limited infertility (excluding In-vitro fertilization), acute medical/surgical, emergency and substance abuse treatment, mental health, domiciliary, rehabilitation and long term care.
Primary Care Services include:
- Family Planning and Birth Control
- GYN & Maternity Care
- Infertility Evaluation & Treatment
- Midlife and Menopause Issues
- Cancer Screenings
- Wellness and Healthy Living
- Mammograms
Mental Health Services include:
- Management of Depression
- Anxiety, Stress
- Counseling and Medication
- Family and Parenting Issues
- Adjustment from Deployment Dependence
- Treatment for Alcohol and Drug
- Military Sexual Trauma Counseling
More information on the VA Programs for Women Veterans is available at:
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth
PA CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
4401 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412.621.6151
www.paconnectingcommunities.org
The Mission of PA Connecting Communities is to empower individuals with disabilities with opportunities to improve their quality of life.
They provide many services and host many social events and educational and advocacy activities. PACC provides 4 “Day Activity Centers” in Allegheny County, they offer companions and respite services for individuals that need special supports to live at home and within the community as independently as possible, and they also offer behavior consultations.
PACC and Family Links are collaborating to create a Veterans Program.
