If I am enrolled in VA health care, what benefits will I receive?
You are eligible for inpatient and outpatient services, including preventive and primary care, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse treatment, home health, respite and hospice care, and prescription medications.

Once I am enrolled, what are the costs?
VA health care does not charge a monthly premium, however, you may be responsible for co-payments. If you have your own insurance, it may cover the cost of the co-payments.

Must I reapply in subsequent years and will I receive an enrollment confirmation?
Your enrollment will be reviewed annually without any action necessary on your part. Depending on your priority group and the availability of funds for VA to offer you services, your enrollment will be renewed. Should there be any change to your enrollment status, you will be notified in writing. You will be asked to complete an updated Means Test/Financial Assessment each year.

Is this an insurance policy or an HMO?
It is neither. VA health care is funded through appropriations from the federal government. This is not the same as an insurance contract. You do not pay monthly premiums to receive VA health care. You are not required to use VA as your exclusive health care provider. If you have health insurance, or eligibility for other programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, you may continue to use those programs. We recommend that, if you have other insurance or HMO coverage, you keep that coverage to provide you with a variety of options and flexibility.

If I am covered by another insurance company, do I have to pay the deductibles when being treated by the VA?
No. VA does not require you pay those charges. Many insurance companies will apply VA co-payment charges toward satisfaction of their annual deductible.

Are there any restrictions to receiving care at a private facility (at VA expense)?
Yes. Care in private facilities is provided only under certain circumstances. You may receive care at a private facility, if VA has a contract arrangement for services. If you have a service connected disability and it is too far from your home to a VA facility, you may be eligible to receive care at a private facility.

Will VA pay for care in private facilities?
Usually not. VA provides care in private facilities at VA expense when there is a contractual arrangement. If VA approves your care in advance or receives timely notification of an emergency room visit or admission, your private facility care may be covered.

How do I qualify for emergency services at a non-VA facility?
In order to qualify for emergency services at a non-VA facility, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• You received care in a hospital emergency department or similar facility providing emergency care
• You are enrolled in the VA health care system
• You have been provided care by a VA healthcare provider within the last 24 months
• You are financially liable to the provider of the emergency treatment
• You have no other form of health insurance
• You do not have coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, or a state program
• You do not have coverage under any other VA program
• You have no other contractual or legal recourse against a third party that may pay all or part of the bill
• VA or other federal facilities were not available at time of the emergency
• The care must have been rendered a medical emergency when a delay in seeking immediate medical attention would have been hazardous to your life or health

What if I get sick while traveling?
You may receive care at any VA facility in the country. Before traveling, you should familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest VA health care facility where you will be staying. VA's authority to reimburse you for care in non-VA facilities is very limited.

Can I get dental care?
Dental benefits are limited to service connected dental conditions or to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service connected causes. For specifics, contact the Veterans Service Center at your local VA health care facility.

Can I get hearing aids and eyeglasses from VA?
Hearing aids and eyeglasses require a service connected disability rating of 10% or more. They are not provided to non-service connected veterans for naturally occurring hearing or vision loss. Additional information is available at your local Veterans Service Center.

What kinds of maternity services are provided?
VA provides maternity care but cannot provide care to a newborn child — even in the immediate aftermath of the birth. Other arrangements must be made for payment for the care of the child.

Are there any limits to the number of days of care or outpatient visits VA will provide?
No. Your doctor will determine how long you need hospital care or outpatient services. VA will provide care consistent with current medical care practices.

Are all veterans notified of their enrollment confirmation at the same time?
VA sends confirmation letters by priority group. Notification letters are mailed at different times.

What is a VA service-connected rating and how do I establish one?
A service-connected rating is an official ruling by VA that your illness/condition is directly related to your active military service. Service-connected ratings are established by VA Regional Offices located throughout the country. In addition to compensation and pension ratings, VA Regional Offices are also responsible for administering educational benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefit programs including home loans. To obtain more information or to apply for any of these benefits, contact your nearest VA Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000.

Can I get prescriptions from my private physician filled at a VA pharmacy?
No. In order to receive medication from VA, your VA provider must treat you and prescribe your medication. If you have a prescription written by a non-VA doctor, you should make an appointment with your VA provider to evaluate your condition and decide if your non- VA doctor’s prescription should be continued. They may not always prescribe the same medication.

How do I get refills?
In general, refills are processed through the mail and not at the window. If your VA provider has approved refills on your prescription, you can request your refill by:

• Using a touch-tone phone to call the automated refill request system.
• Completing and mailing the refill request slip that comes with each prescription.
• Leaving the refill slip with the pharmacy the next time you come to the VA.

Refills should be requested at least three weeks before you run out of medication. This will allow ample time for processing and delivery.