Public Health
Post-9/11 Vet: VA Health Care: An Excellent Option
The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law or Obamacare, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs, and improve health care quality.
While March 31, 2014, was the deadline to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, eligible Veterans can enroll in VA health care at any time. Enroll in VA health care to enjoy:
- Medical care rated among the best in the U.S.,
- Immediate benefits of health care coverage,
- No enrollment fee, monthly premiums, or deductible,
- Small copayments for health care or prescription drugs for some Veterans, though most Veterans have no out-of-pocket costs, and
- More than 1,700 places available to get your care so coverage can go with you if you travel or move.
Combat Veteran Authority
Many Veterans are not aware that they may already be eligible for VA health care under the “Combat Veteran Authority.” Under this provision established in 2008, Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations any time after November 11, 1998, and were discharged or released from Active Duty on or after January 28, 2003, may waive the income eligibility requirements to receive VA health care anytime up to five years after the date of discharge or release.
Apply Now
Apply for VA health benefits by visiting www.1010ez.med.va.gov. There is no cost to apply and comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them, even if you choose not to use VA for some or all of your health care needs. If you are not eligible to enroll at this time, VA will save your application and contact you if eligibility criteria changes.
