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Veterans Health Insurance

 

Veterans health insurance is so important because most types of health insurance plans do not cover the types of injuries that can occur in the military. Injuries in active duty would be considered unusual cases to a normal insurance plan, but a veterans’ health insurance anticipates the possibility of such injuries and provides financial assistance for those who face those difficulties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans who already have an insurance plan are eligible to apply for veterans’ health insurance as well, and some choose to enroll dually in Medicare and the VA to receive optimal coverage.

 

Veterans Health Insurance: How to Apply

The first step to take in pursuing veterans’ health insurance is to apply to the Veterans Health Administration, a subset of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA determines whether you have achieved “veteran status”, which applies to one who has served in active duty in the military and has been honorably discharged. Qualification for veteran status can be determined by calling any veterans’ benefits office or the VA and completing an application.

 

Veterans Health Insurance: Priority Groups

There are 8 priority levels for veterans’ health care in the VA, depending on the severity of the veteran’s condition. Group 1 is the most severe, including those who are unable to work because of injuries accrued in the service. Group 2 includes those whose injuries and disabilities are 30-40%. Group 3 is for former POWs, those who have received a Purple Heart, and other special needs veterans. Group 4 includes those who are considered “catastrophically disabled.” Veterans whose annual income is below the established threshold are eligible for group 5, and group 6 is specifically for World War I veterans. As of January 2008, veterans who have joined 2003 can also automatically be placed in priority group 6. Group 7 includes those whose income is below a certain amount and who are willing to provide co-pays. Group 8 applies to those veterans who have a steady income above the threshold but would like some supplementary health insurance. Those who have served in an active war after 1998 can also be advanced to a higher priority group under certain conditions.

 

Veterans Health Insurance: Means Test

Most veterans who are seeking basic health care without special disability qualifications are required to share their annual income amount to determine their level of need. Those who exceed the threshold might have to pay a portion of their own healthcare. This income includes all money and assets such as social security, property, investments, and regular income. Information about income is provided through the “Means Test”, which most veterans are required to fill out in order to enroll for veterans’ health care. Those who choose not to fill out the Means Test are automatically placed in priority group 8, which assumes that the policy holder has an income higher than the threshold and will be expected to provide a co-pay. This is the lowest level of coverage. 

 

Veterans Health Insurance: Hardship Determination

Those who are initially placed in priority group 7 or 8 may request placement in a higher priority group through Hardship Determination. This advanced placement is possible if the applicant foresees a considerably lower annual income due to unexpected financial difficulties such as losing a job or bankruptcy. 

 

Veterans Health Insurance: Co-Pays

Some aspects of veterans’ health insurance require co-pays, and some do not. Outpatient care requires a $15 co-pay unless it is considered preventative. Co-pays for other parts of healthcare such as medication vary depending on the veteran and the priority group. Veterans in group 7 and 8 may be required to provide a co-pay for certain hospital care, and most veterans in all priority groups are expected to provide a co-pay for extended care. This co-pay varies depending on financial need and other factors.

 

Veterans Health Insurance: What It Covers

Veterans’ health insurance plans covers basic health care, prescriptions, preventive care, hospital expenses, and more, depending on the plan. Some plans cover family members as well. Veterans’ health insurance coverage reaches out and provides assistance for those who have sacrificed themselves in the United States Armed Forces.

 

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