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Veteran Benefits Explained

Did you know that veterans with service-connected disabilities and/or those who are below the income threshold are given priority in receiving care under the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits package? Although there are no monthly premiums required for VA care, a co-payment may be required depending on the veteran’s circumstances. This simply means that you have to pay a fixed sum for every doctor’s visit or service alongside the benefit you are receiving.

Uniform Benefits Package

A standard health benefits plan that covers all enrolled veterans, the Uniform Benefits Package focuses on providing primary and preventative care, offering a full range of medical services that includes:

  • Inpatient care
  • Emergency care in a VA facility
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Home care
  • Nursing home care
  • Adult day health care
  • Surgery
  • Consultations, diagnosis and treatment
  • Prescriptions and pharmaceuticals
  • Vaccinations and screening tests
  • Mental health services, including treatment for substance abuse
  • Health education and training classes

Am I Eligible for the Uniform Benefits Package?

Many veterans are eligible for free medical services under the Uniform Benefits Package, but you will have to apply in order to qualify. Additionally, some veterans may be required to make co-payments for services alongside these benefits. Which group you fall under will be assessed based on factors including:

  • Military service history
  • Severity of disability
  • Income level
  • Other benefits you may be receiving
  • Medicaid coverage

Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that render them unable to work will be assigned to the group with highest priority. On the other end, those who belong to a higher income group and who have not suffered any service-connected disabilities will be given lower priority.

Enhanced Eligibility Status

If one or more of the below factors apply to you, you may be qualified to receive enhanced eligibility status. This places you in a higher priority group and makes it more likely you will receive benefits. These factors are:

  • You receive VA compensation for a service-related disability.
  • You receive a VA pension.
  • You were discharged from duty for a disability that got worse during your time in service, or that happened as a result of something that happened during that time.
  • You are a former Prisoner of War (PoW).
  • You have received a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor.
  • You qualify for Medicaid benefits.
  • You served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 OR in the Gulf War in Southwest Asia between August 2, 1990 and November 11, 1998 OR you served a minimum of 30 days at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987.

Additional Services Not Covered by the Uniform Benefits Package

The below services are not covered by the Uniform Benefits Package but are available to veterans on a case-by-case basis:

  • Limited nursing home or domestic care
  • Limited dental care
  • Non-VA inpatient care and healthcare services
  • Adult day health care
  • Readjustment counseling
  • Sexual trauma counseling
  • Homeless programs

Find Out If You Qualify for VA Benefits

If you are unsure whether you qualify for VA benefits, please visit the VA website for more information.