Enrollment

What is VA Health Care Enrollment?

VA health care enrollment is a system providing you access to a comprehensive package of VA health care services. You just answer a few questions and are assigned by VA to one of the established priority groups. VA will send you a letter concerning your enrollment status.

Am I required to be enrolled?

You are required to be enrolled unless you are in one of the following categories: 

• VA rates you as having a service-connected disability of 50% or more  
• It has been less than one year since you were discharged from military service for a disability that the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, and have not yet been rated by VA  
• You are seeking care from VA for a service-connected disability only

Why should I enroll?

You should enroll to ensure that you will receive the comprehensive benefits package offered through VA’s national health care system.

How long will I remain enrolled?

You will normally remain enrolled for one year. Enrollment will be reviewed and renewed each year depending upon your priority group and available resources.

If I move, how do I change my enrollment information?

You simply report any changes in enrollment information to your preferred facility or the VA health care facility nearest your home. You may also call the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).  

Is there a specific form I need to fill out to enroll?

Yes, you can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access the form on the Internet at www.10-10EZ.med.va.gov.

You can submit a completed form in person or by mail. Please be sure to sign your application form, otherwise it cannot be processed for enrollment. VA Form 10-10EZ is a one-page application form, front and back. Most veterans are able to complete the form in less than 15 minutes.

However, veterans needing treatment for a VA-rated service-connected disability, a VA-rated service-connected disability rated 50% or more, or released from active duty within the previous 12 months for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty do not need to apply.

Do I need a new VIC (Veteran Identification Card) card now because of enrollment?

No, you do not need to change your VIC card.

How/where do I apply for health care?

You can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA health care facility or veterans' benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) or access the form on the Internet at www.10-10EZ.med.va.gov.

You can submit a completed form in person or by mail. Please be sure to sign your application form, otherwise it cannot be processed for enrollment. VA Form 10-10EZ is a one-page application form, front and back. Most veterans are able to complete the form in less than 15 minutes.

What does preferred facility mean?

Your preferred facility designates where you prefer to receive your primary care and is normally the facility closest to your home. However, acceptance in the VA health care system means that you may receive the comprehensive benefits package through VA’s national health care system at any VA health care facility you choose or are nearest to when you require care.

How does enrollment affect my fee-basis care?

Enrollment does not affect your eligibility for fee-basis care.

Should I give up my existing health care coverage if I enroll with VA?

No. You are allowed to keep your current health care coverage and are encouraged to do so, but you should provide that insurance information to VA. Veterans with private insurance or other coverage such as DoD, Medicare, or Medicaid may find that these coverages provide them with more options and flexibility in the future. The use of other available health care coverage does not affect your enrollment status.

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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