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Benefits
What if
the closest VA Medical Center (VAMC) does not have the services that I
need?
If you are enrolled, VA is responsible for providing you a
full continuum of care. This is called the Medical Benefits Package. These
services will be provided through your local VA or at another VA facility.
If VA cannot provide the necessary medical care, they will arrange for you
to receive care in your community at VA’s expense.
If I
enroll in VA, can I receive care anywhere in the VA
system?
Yes. Once
enrolled, you are part of a national health care system with over 1,100
locations of care. Generally, you will receive your preventive and primary
health care at the VA health care facility that you have indicated as
your preferred
facility. For more specialized treatment you may have a choice of
locations as recommended by your primary care
provider. When traveling you may obtain care at any VA health care
facility without re-enrolling.
What
benefits am I eligible for?
Veterans
accepted for enrollment in the VA health care system will be eligible to
receive necessary inpatient and outpatient services, including
preventative and primary care. These
include:
- Diagnostic and treatment services;
rehabilitation
- Mental
health, substance abuse, and home
health
- Respite
and hospice care
- Drugs in conjunction with VA
treatment
Can I
choose to get care outside of the VA system at VA
cost?
Generally, no. By law, VA is required to provide care within
the VA system. There are certain special-category veterans, however, who
may receive care outside the VA health care system at VA
cost.
Will VA
provide hearing aids and eyeglasses?
Generally, hearing
aids and eyeglasses are not provided when the hearing and vision loss is
the result of aging. However, if you are service-connected with a
disability rating of 10% or greater they will be provided. Hearing aids
and eyeglasses may also be provided in special circumstances.
What
benefits are not included?
The following services are not
included:
- Abortions
and abortion counseling.
- In vitro
fertilization.
- Drugs,
biologicals, and medical devices not approved by the Food and Drug
Administration unless the treating medical facility is conducting formal
clinical trials under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or an
Investigational New Drug (IND) application, or the drugs, biologicals,
or medical devices are prescribed under a compassionate use
exemption.
- Gender
Alterations.
- Hospital
and outpatient care for a veteran who is either a patient or inmate in
an institution of another government agency if that agency has a duty to
give the care or services.
- Membership in spas and health
clubs.
Can I get
a prescription by a non-VA physician filled at a VA health care
facility?
Only veterans with
special eligibility, such as veterans in receipt of a VA pension with aid
and attendance benefits, are eligible to obtain prescriptions at VA
expense.
What is
the coverage for emergency services?
Urgent and limited
emergency care services are available to enrolled veterans at VA health
care facilities or non-VA health care facilities at which VA has a sharing
agreement or contract. Veterans with special eligibility may obtain
emergency care, at VA expense, in a non-VA facility where VA does not have
a sharing agreement or contract.
Under certain conditions, other veterans who have no health
insurance coverage may be eligible for payment or reimbursement of
emergency medical services provided outside VA. Contact the VA Health
Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) for more
information.
Are there
any limits on days of care or outpatient visits VA will
provide?
No. The veteran’s primary care provider will determine what
is appropriate and necessary hospital care or outpatient services and will
provide such care consistent with current medical care
practices.
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