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Overview
The Veterans' Health
Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996
Public Law 104-262
The
Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of
1996 mandated VA to establish and implement a national
enrollment system to manage the delivery of health care services. This
legislation led the way for the creation of a Medical Benefits Package to
provide a standard health plan to most enrolled veterans and to certain
groups of veterans who do not need to enroll.
The law mandated
that the enrollment system be effective October 1, 1998. After that date,
most veterans must be enrolled to receive care. Veterans may apply for
enrollment at any time during the year. The following veterans do not need
to enroll:
- Veterans who
need treatment for a VA-rated service-connected
disability
- Veterans who
are VA-rated service-connected disabled 50% or
more
- Veterans who
were released from active duty within the previous 12 months for a
disability incurred or aggravated in the line of
duty
The provisions
within Public Law 104-262 include:
- Eliminating the
distinction between
outpatient
care and hospital
care;
- Permitting VA
to provide health care services in the most clinically appropriate
setting;
- Giving VA the
authority to furnish health promotion and disease prevention services,
primary care; and
- Allowing
greater flexibility in applying state-of-the-art health care techniques
and more efficient use of VA resources
Whether a veteran
needs outpatient treatment, hospital care, or at-home medical services, VA
is committed to providing the level of care required in the setting best
suited to addressing their medical needs.
For veteran
inquiries call the toll free number 1-877-222-VETS
(1-877-222-8387)
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