How to apply for VA Health Care

Who it's for

VA Health Care covers primary care, specialty care, mental health, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive services at the nationwide network of VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. Most veterans with an other-than-dishonorable discharge are eligible to enroll. After enrollment the VA assigns the veteran a Priority Group (1 through 8) based on service-connected disability rating, special circumstances (former POW, Purple Heart, catastrophic disability), and income relative to the geographic-means-test threshold. Priority Groups 1 through 5 receive most care at no cost; higher priority groups pay copays that are still well below typical Medicare and private-insurance cost-sharing. VA Health Care does not replace Medicare for most senior veterans — most enroll in both — but it can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for care received at VA facilities, especially prescriptions ($0–$11 per fill versus typical Medicare Part D copays).

What you'll need

• Discharge papers (DD-214, NGB-22, or equivalent) showing character of service
• Social Security card
• Most recent federal tax return or a recent Social Security award letter (used to assign a Priority Group; not used to determine basic eligibility)
• Insurance cards for any other coverage (Medicare, Medicaid, employer plan) — VA bills these for non-service-connected care
• Photo ID

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about VA Health Care. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need discharge papers (dd-214, ngb-22, or equivalent) showing character of service, social security card, most recent federal tax return or a recent social security award letter (used to assign a priority group; not used to determine basic eligibility) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: discharge papers (DD-214, NGB-22, or equivalent) showing character of service, your Social Security card, your most recent federal tax return or a recent Social Security award letter, insurance cards for any other coverage (such as Medicare, Medicaid, or an employer plan), and a photo ID.
2. Check that your discharge was other-than-dishonorable, as this is the basic eligibility requirement for VA Health Care enrollment.
3. Choose how to apply: complete the application online or call the VA at 1-877-222-8387 to apply by phone.
4. Submit your application along with your documents through the channel you chose.
5. After enrolling, watch for a notice from the VA assigning your Priority Group (1 through 8), which is based on your service-connected disability rating, special circumstances, and your income relative to the VA's geographic means-test threshold.
6. Report your income to the VA each year to keep your Priority Group assignment current — enrollment itself does not need to be renewed annually.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the VA will review your information and assign you a Priority Group. Processing times vary, so contact the VA at 1-877-222-8387 for an estimate if needed. Once enrolled, you can receive primary care, specialty care, mental health services, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive services at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics. Veterans in Priority Groups 1 through 5 receive most care at no cost; those in higher groups pay copays that are still well below typical Medicare or private-insurance cost-sharing. Enrollment does not expire, but you will need to report your income to the VA each year so your Priority Group stays up to date. If you also have Medicare or other insurance, keep those cards handy — the VA may bill them for care that is not related to a service-connected condition.

Renewals

ongoing (no annual re-enrollment; income reported annually to keep Priority Group assignment current)