VA Health Care Enrollment for Combat Veterans

VA health care enrollmentFor combat veterans who were discharged on or after January 28, 2003 (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans) are eligible for VA health care enrollment for 5 years from the date of discharge or release. The five-year enrollment period begins on the discharge or separation date of the service member from active duty military service, or in the case of multiple call-ups, the most recent discharge date. Here’s what you need to know:

Enrollment

Combat veterans do not need a service-connected disability to enroll, and must complete VA Form 10-10EZ. Options to complete the form include online submission or at a local VA health care facility.  A hard copy form can be mailed to:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

Your placement

Once a veteran has applied for enrollment, the veteran’s eligibility will be verified and assigned a priority group, with 1 highest and 8 lowest.

Recent veterans are typically placed in Priority Group 6 (along with Vietnam veterans serving between Jan. 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975; Persian Gulf War veterans service between Aug. 2, 1990 and Nov. 11, 1998; among others).

A veteran may qualify for a higher priority grouping based on need, disability rating, or status (former POW, Purple Heart medal recipient, etc.).

In the event a veteran qualifies for multiple priority groups, the veteran will be placed in the highest group eligible.

No cost; 5-yr. re-evaluation

• Cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions potentially related to combat service
• Cost-free medications for conditions potentially related to combat service
• Full access to VA’s Medical Benefits Package
• Enrollment in Priority Group 6 (unless eligible for higher priority group under another authority)

At the end of their enhanced eligibility period, veterans enrolled in Priority Group 6 are re-evaluated and may be shifted to a lower priority group depending on their income level, and required to make applicable copays.

Veterans can call 1-877-222-8387 for information or if the VA hospital does not honor the five-year post-discharge health care requirement. This number is monitored Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Benefits of VA health care

• Preventive Care Services
Immunizations
Physical Examinations (including eye and hearing examinations)
Health Care Assessments
Screening Tests
Health Education Programs

• Ambulatory (Outpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services
Medical
Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
Mental Health
Substance Abuse

• Hospital (Inpatient) Diagnostic and Treatment Services
Medical
Surgical (including reconstructive/plastic surgery as a result of disease or trauma)
Mental Health
Substance Abuse

• Prescription Drugs (when prescribed by a VA physician)