Veterans and the New Health Care Law

Week of October 21, 2013

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sent out a letter a few weeks ago to veterans explaining their options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new law will not change VA benefits. If a veteran is enrolled in VA healthcare, that coverage meets the standards for the ACA's insurance requirement. Most uninsured veterans are eligible for VA health care. However, not everyone who has served in uniform qualifies for VA health care such as Reserve or National Guard vets who served on active duty for training purposes only. Veterans who are not eligible for VA, and their families, could go to the Health Insurance Exchange. Another option, gaining Medicaid coverage, is limited in states that are not expanding the program. Here are some ways to enroll in VA care or determine your eligibility: (1) visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll; (2) call 1-877-222-VETS(8387); and (3) visit your local VA health care facility. For more information, visit VA, the Affordable Care Act and You webpage at www.va.gov/health/aca/.

For more updates on VA benefits programs, visit the Military Advantage blog.

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