There are millions of veterans in America, and many of them occasionally face challenges in covering their medical expenses. With health care costs on the rise nationwide, affording necessary care can become a significant burden. While health insurance is intended to be accessible to all, it doesn’t always meet the needs of everyone. Fortunately, there are several medical bill assistance programs specifically designed for veterans that can help alleviate these financial pressures.
Even routine visits to doctors or hospitals can result in substantial medical bills, potentially causing stress for veterans who struggle to pay their bills. Various assistance programs are available to help veterans manage these costs. Most of these programs are funded by the federal government, but there are also state-run programs and support from nonprofit organizations that provide additional aid.
Using VA Health Care with Other Insurance:
If you have other health care coverage (such as private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE), you can use VA health care benefits alongside those plans1.
The VA bills your private health insurance provider for non-service-connected conditions (illnesses or injuries unrelated to your military service). However, they don’t bill Medicare or Medicaid directly.
If your health insurance doesn’t cover all the non-service-connected care that the VA bills them for, you won’t have to pay any unpaid balance. Depending on your priority group, you may have a copay for non-service-connected care.
Providing your health insurance information to the VA can help offset your VA copayment and may apply toward your annual deductible.
Your current health insurance status doesn’t affect your eligibility for VA health care benefits.
Considerations:
Dropping private health insurance to save money is a personal decision. However, there are risks:
The VA doesn’t typically provide care for Veterans’ family members, so dropping insurance could leave your family without coverage.
Uncertainty about future funding for VA care may impact lower-priority groups.
Keeping private insurance ensures continued coverage.
Eligibility: Veterans must meet specific criteria related to service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors.
Medicare for Veterans:
While veterans aren’t required to enroll in Medicare, it’s recommended when you turn 65. Medicare provides additional coverage options outside VA facilities
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer supplemental benefits not available through VA benefits.
Remember, Medicare isn’t mandatory for veterans, but it can enhance your overall coverage
Health plans
Members are first enrolled in fee-for-service for a short time until they are enrolled in one of the health plans.
Most Medicaid and FAMIS members get care through a health plan. Each health plan has a network (group) of primary care providers (PCPs), specialists, hospitals, and other health care providers.
These are the health plans Medicaid and FAMIS members can choose:
- Aetna Better Health of Virginia
- Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
- Molina Healthcare
- Sentara Community Plan
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
How to Apply: Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits online through the VA’s website, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center. apply here