VA Health Care: Apply Now

VA Health Care Enrollment Process 

   Veterans are now eligible for a comprehensive health care package that is completely portable across the entire VA health care system. To receive health care, most veterans must be enrolled first.

   In 2009 federal regulations were changed to enable VA to enroll certain Priority Group 8 veterans who applied for enrollment and who may have been previously denied enrollment in the VA health care system because their income exceeded VA's income thresholds. These Veterans may now qualify if their household income does not exceed the current VA income thresholds by more than 10%. To see if you are eligible and to access a calculator to see how you stand against the income thresholds, visit www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/AnnualThresholds.asp.      If you have any enrollment or eligibility questions, you may call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Application Process

To apply for VA health care benefits, including enrollment you must fill out an application for enrollment, VA Form 10-10EZ. You may obtain this form by one of the following means:

• Online - Complete VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits.
• By Telephone - Call toll-free number at 877-222-VETS (8387)
• In Person - Complete the "Application for Health Benefits" at your local VA. Find a VA medical center.

The VA uses the 10-10EZ application to determine if you have qualifying service as a veteran and your status so you can be placed into one of the Enrollment Priority Groups.

Once enrolled you will remain enrolled without having to reapply for benefit annually. However, some veterans will need to update their financial information yearly to keep their enrollment priority current. VA will contact you when or if it is necessary to update their financial information.

The VA has a quick two-question form to help you determine your if you qualify for VA health care. Visit the VA Health Care Page to get started.

New Law Opens VA Health Care to Some Priority Group 8 Vets

   A recent change in the laws governing VA health care provides VA additional funding to allow expanded enrollment opportunity for certain Priority 8 Veterans who may have been previously denied enrollment in VA's health care system because their income exceeded VA's national and geographically-adjusted means test thresholds.

   The new regulations took effect on June 15, 2009 and enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to relax income restrictions on enrollment for health benefits. While this new provision does not remove consideration of income, it does increase income thresholds. You may be eligible for enrollment under this new provision, even if you have been denied coverage in the past.

   A Veteran applying for enrollment on or after June 15, 2009, who does not qualify for a higher priority group and whose income exceeds VA's national and geographically-adjusted means test threshold by 10% of less will be placed in Priority Group 8b (if the Veteran is non-compensable 0% service-connected) or 8d (if the Veteran is nonservice-connected) and enrolled in the VA health care system. This new financial threshold is referred to as the "Enrollment threshold."

Your Next Step:
If you applied after Jan. 1, 2009 simply wait for the VA to contact you after their re-evaluation period.

If you originally applied for VA health care prior to Jan. 1, 2009 you should visit the VA Health Care Calculator to determine if you are eligible under the new Priority Group 8 guidelines.

Complete and submit VA Form 10-10EZR, Health Benefits Renewal form to have your eligibility for health care enrollment reassessed against the new "Enrollment threshold."

If you need assistance contact VA's Health Resource Center at 1-877-222 VETS (8387); or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility/.