VA Healthcare Enrollment Guide

Most veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible. You do not need a disability rating to enroll, though your rating affects your priority group and copay amounts.

• ✓Served 24+ continuous months of active duty (post-9/7/1980 enlistees)
• ✓Discharged under honorable or general conditions
• ✓Combat veterans get 5 years of free VA healthcare after separation (regardless of rating)
• ✓Veterans with service-connected conditions are always eligible for related care

Apply using VA Form 10-10EZ. You can apply three ways:

Documents needed: DD-214, Social Security number, income information (for means test), and insurance information (if any).

If the VA cannot provide timely or nearby care, you may be eligible to see civilian providers paid for by the VA under the MISSION Act Community Care program.

You may qualify if:

• ✓You need a service the VA does not provide
• ✓You live more than a 30-minute drive from a VA facility
• ✓Wait times exceed 20 days (primary/mental health) or 28 days (specialty care)
• ✓It is in your best medical interest

Important: You must get a referral from your VA provider first. Do not go to a civilian provider without authorization or you may be responsible for the full cost.

Dental

• ●100% service-connected disability or T&P: Free comprehensive dental care through the VA
• ●Service-connected dental condition: Free treatment for the specific condition
• ●Former POWs: Free comprehensive dental care
• ●All other enrolled veterans: Can purchase the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) at reduced premiums

Vision

• ●Routine eye exams are available to all enrolled veterans
• ●Eyeglasses are provided free if you have a service-connected vision condition, are 10%+ rated, or meet certain criteria
• ●Low-vision rehabilitation services available at select VA facilities

Urgent Care

Enrolled veterans can visit approved urgent care facilities (walk-in clinics) without prior VA authorization. You are allowed 3 urgent care visits per calendar year at in-network community providers. Copays may apply depending on your priority group.

VA Nurse Hotline

Call 844-698-2311 24/7 to speak with a VA nurse for medical advice, help deciding if you need urgent care, or connecting with your VA care team.

The VA offers telehealth appointments for primary care, mental health, and many specialty services. You can connect from home using VA Video Connect on your phone, tablet, or computer.

• ✓Available for most appointment types including mental health and primary care
• ✓Download the VA Health and Benefits app for scheduling and messaging
• ✓Prescription refills available through My HealtheVet or the VA app