Many people join the US armed forces and serving your country can provide a distinguished and rewarding career. While there are many advantages to be gained during a military career, the benefits can continue after leaving or retiring from active service. Veterans can have access to a range of government funded programs, with veteran medical benefits being an example of this. This can provide healthcare for those that had a career in the armed forces and it is something that all veterans should consider enrolling in.
Who provides the benefits?
Veteran medical benefits are government funded and operated by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The program is intended to provide veterans with affordable access to high-quality medical treatment in recognition of the service they provided their country by being a member of the armed forces.
Who qualifies?
A variety of criteria are applied to determine who is eligible to receive veteran medical benefits. The Department of Veteran Affairs website has quick eligibility check questions, the answers to which can determine if you do qualify. These include whether you served in the active armed forces and were honorably discharged, or whether you were a reservist or National Guard member. The full list of questions can be found at the VA website. The dependants of a military veteran can also receive benefits as part of the program.
How do you apply?
There are a few ways to apply for the veteran medical benefits program. There is an online application procedure, known as the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) websiteand this enables an application to be made via the internet. An application can also be made at one of the many VA regional offices around the country and if you require assistance in filling out the application form this can be an easier way to do it. In some cases it is possible to make an application prior to leaving the armed services and details of the Pre-Discharge Program can be found at the VA website. For those applying for application after discharge, the forms are processed once received and a letter then sent informing you of whether you were enrolled in the program. If you have been enrolled, you will generally receive a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) which needs to be shown when seeking medical assistance. Once enrolled, you remain enrolled and there is no need for any further applications to keep receiving the benefits.
What benefits are gained?
There are a range of benefits that can be gained by those enrolled in the veterans medical benefit program. This can include preventative care services such as health assessments, examinations and screening tests. It is also possible to get outpatient care for illnesses and injuries and also be admitted to hospital for in-patient treatment in more serious cases. The care provided can include medical treatment, surgery and also mental health services. The benefits can also extend to receiving both prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as a range of other medical supplies which may be required.
Where is treatment available?
There are estimated to be around 1,400 hospitals, medical facilities and clinics across the USA where veterans can get medical treatment through the veteran medical benefits program. A home facility can be nominated in the area where you live, although care can be received at any of the VA approved medical facilities. Even when traveling, therefore a veteran enrolled in the program should be able to access medical assistance. The healthcare facilities available provide standard healthcare as well as a range of specialized treatments.
What is the cost?
While there are no premiums to be paid to receive veteran medical benefits, there may be some cost involved. Veterans are categorized into one of a number of priority groups when they enroll. Depending on the group you are in, you may receive all treatment completely free of charge or you may have to make co-payments for medical care for illnesses and injuries that are not service-related.
Serving in the armed forces is usually a proud experience for anyone. It can also provide ongoing advantages after the completion of a career, and the veteran medical benefits program is one of these. This can provide access to low cost healthcare for anyone that served in the military, as well as their dependants. It is therefore a benefit that is worth applying for.