If you are a veteran–meaning you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for a required period of time and received an honorable discharge or release–you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. VA benefits are administered by the federal government and include pensions, educational stipends, and health care, among other benefits. It is important to know that VA benefits do not work with Medicare Medicare is the federal government health insurance program that provides health care coverage if you are 65 or older, are under 65 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months, begin receiving SSDI due to ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) no matter your age. You can receive health coverage directly through the federal government (see Original Medicare) or through a private company (see Medicare Advantage). , though you can be enrolled in both.
VA health benefits cover care provided mainly in VA medical centers, VA outpatient clinics, and VA nursing homes. Veterans can receive care at any VA facility. Health benefits include coverage for:
- Medical and mental health care (including substance abuse treatment)
- Home health care Home health care is care provided at home to treat an illness or injury. Medicare will only cover home health care if you are homebound and have a need for skilled care, including skilled nursing and/or skilled therapy services.
- Nursing home A nursing home, also called a long-term care facility, is a residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability. Nursing home services include room and board, nursing care, personal care, and therapy services. A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a nursing home that provides skilled care, but not all nursing homes are SNFs. Medicare does not cover the cost of nursing homes that are not SNFs. care
- Durable medical equipment (DME) Durable medical equipment (DME), also known as DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) is equipment that primarily serves a medical purpose, is able to withstand repeated use, and is appropriate for use in the home; for example, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds. Medicare only covers DME if your provider says it is medically necessary for use in the home.
- Medicare-excluded items (including over-the-counter medications and supplies, annual physical exams, hearing aids, and eyeglasses under certain circumstances)
Eligibility for VA benefits depends on several factors, including:
- Existence of a service-connected disability
- Exposure related to service
- Income
If you are eligible for VA benefits, you must apply with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be enrolled in the program. Care for all disabilities related to your military service is free, regardless of your income. The cost of other medical care depends on the priority group the VA assigns you.
VA health benefits always provide primary coverage in VA facilities. If you have VA benefits and become eligible for Medicare, you should consider the benefits of both types of insurance and whether you should enroll in Medicare now or delay enrollment—and the potential consequences of delayed enrollment.