Health care at the VA medical facilities

Veterans can apply to enroll in the VA health care system by completing a VA Form 10-10EZ, “Application for Health Benefits.” For the form, call toll-free 1-877/222-VETS (8387) or click on http://www.va.gov/1010ez.htm. Alternatively, the form can be completed in person at a VA health care facility or at the local County Veterans Service Office.

After applying, veterans will be enrolled into a priority group, ranging from Priority 1 (Vets with service-connected disabilities rated at 50 percent or more) to Priority 8 (Vets with no compensable service-connected disabilities, whose income and assets exceed established maximum limits). The Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines which Priority Groups may be enrolled each year. As of January 17, 2003, new veterans may not enroll in Priority Group 8.

Co-pays for medical care and prescriptions depend on the Priority Group. Veterans are required to take a “means test” each year, to adjust co-payment amounts to their income level as it changes. A private insurance policy or Medicare does not affect eligibility for VA care or co-pay requirements. VA may bill a private insurer for certain care costs above any deductible. The VA cannot bill Medicare or Medicaid under current law.

Some services provided to veterans by the VA health care facilities include: preventive services (including immunizations, screening tests, and health education classes), primary health care, surgery, mental health and substance abuse treatment, home health care, respite, hospice and palliative care, urgent care and pharmaceuticals. Hearing aids and eyeglasses may be covered, if the condition is rated as a service-connected disability. Some veterans also may be eligible for services on a case-by-case basis, including nursing home care, and limited dental care, homeless programs and readjustment counseling.

Find the VA Medical Center or Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) nearest you at the VA website: www.va.gov or contact your County Veterans Service Office.

TriCare for Life

Military retirees over age 65 with 20 years of service can sign up for health benefits through TRICARE for Life. Check out the TriCare website at www.tricare.osd.mil or call 1-888/363-5433.

MN DVA dental & optical benefits

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs offers dental and optical assistance to qualifying veterans. Eligibility criteria for veterans’ benefits from the state government require that the applicant be either a veteran or the dependent or survivor of a veteran, as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 and a current resident of the state of Minnesota. There are also strict income and asset guidelines that must be met. Most persons on VA Pension or Social Security qualify for this benefit. Veterans and their dependents may receive up to $1,000 annual dental assistance and $144 bi-annual optical assistance. To apply, veterans should go to the nearest County Veterans Service Office. Go to www.mdva.state.mn.us to learn more about benefits offered by the MN DVA or to see a directory of the County Veterans Service Offices in Minnesota.

Minnesota VA