Veterans Benefits Overview

By Gilbert Guide, Gilbert Guide

Medical Benefits Package

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a Medical Benefits Package that provides hospital and outpatient medical care and treatment. VA�s priority system ensures that veterans with service-connected disabilities and those below the low-income threshold are granted first priority for receiving care. There is no monthly premium required for VA care. However, depending on the veteran�s situation, co-payments may be required.

The Uniform Benefits Package available to all enrolled veterans includes:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Ambulatory care
• Emergency care in a VA facility
• Home health care
• Respite care
• Hospice care
• Prescription drugs, pharmaceuticals, and durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds
• Adult day health care
• Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) � comprehensive needs assessment

To qualify, a veteran must be enrolled in the VA health care system. Most veterans must annually report household income and net worth.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides skilled nursing care to eligible veterans through VA and Community Contract facilities. Veterans who do not meet the conditions and limitations outlined below may still be eligible for nursing care when space and resources are available.

Conditions and Limitations

• Veteran must meet the eligibility criteria for VA benefits
• Require skilled nursing care for a service-connected condition; or
• Have a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more; or
• Have a service-connected disability rating of 60% and be considered unemployable
• Skilled nursing care for non-service connected veterans is limited to 6 months

Financial Assessment

While many veterans qualify for free health care services based on a compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factor, most are required to complete an annual financial assessment to determine if they qualify for free services. Veterans whose household income and net worth exceed the established threshold must agree to co-payments to become eligible for VA health care services. The financial assessment determines the enrollment priority group and the co-payments, if any, that must be paid.

For more information, call VA Health Care at 877-222-VETS or visit the VA Web site.