Note: this story has been updated since its original publication.
If you served in the U.S. military between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, a new law makes you eligible for VA health care benefits, but you have to apply because VA cannot automatically enroll you.
The Cleland-Dole Act was signed into law Dec. 29, 2022. Section 101 of this law expands eligibility for VA care for Veterans of World War II. If you served during World War II, now is the time to apply for VA health care, even if you applied before and were not approved due to your income level.
VA health care benefits
- Medical care rated among the best in the United States
- Immediate benefits of health care coverage
- Exemption from copayments for inpatient and outpatient care
- Enrollment satisfies the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to have health care coverage
- No enrollment fees, monthly premiums or deductibles
- Low or no out-of-pocket costs
- Eligibility for VA Community Care
- When enrolled in VA health care, you can use your private providers, Medicare and other health insurance to meet your care needs.
Apply today
- Apply online.
- Call VA’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411).
- Visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.
- Call 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) to speak to a customer service representative, get answers to your questions and start the VA enrollment process. There are many ways to apply for VA benefits, depending on the type of benefit you seek.
- Now is the time to enroll in VA health care benefits, even if you previously applied and were not approved.
WWII Veterans’ new eligibility for VA health care
If you served in World War II and are not currently enrolled in VA health care, this recent legislation ensures that you are now eligible for VA health care. WWII is defined as the period beginning Dec. 7, 1941, and ending Dec. 31, 1946.
Apply today, even if you applied before and your application was not approved. Income level and service length do not matter.
WWII Veterans will be at minimum in Priority Group 6. You could be in a higher priority group if you have other eligibilities. Even if you were deferred before, please consider applying again. Please note, you must apply for VA health care if you are not currently enrolled. VA cannot automatically enroll you in VA care.
More details about VA health care:
- VA health care benefits
- Geriatric and extended care
- VA nursing homes and assisted living
- Cost of care
- Copay rates
This new eligibility is just one part of the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022. This law requires VA to expand eligibility, establish pilot programs, ensure the quality of care and access to care, conduct a feasibility analysis for program expansion and other actions.
Apply today and get the VA health care benefits you earned and deserve.
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How BIG of Va. Fewer than 1% are still alive!
I am registered in VA health care. Does this mean that I will no longer get a monthly bill from the VA for medicine and Doctor visits?
This was very informative covers much information I was not aware of very helpful understanding benefits covered.
Too little too late for most of these veterans don’t you think as long as it takes VA to process a claim
Are you kidding me? You are graciously extending benefits to survivors of WWII? I don’t imagine the number of qualified Vets, most, if not all of whom, are in their 90’s, is very extensive?
A little too late, in my opinion.
What’s next? Additional benefits for WWI survivors?
i was a Navy combat Veteran WW2,. fought in 28 island landings. i am denied any of these benefits because i don’t meet whatever requirements are listed, even though it says “Income level and service length do not matter.”
P O O H ! ! ! @
Douglas Perret STARR, service Navy 17 May 1943-14 Jan 1977, combat South Pacific, Jan 44-Aug 45st
My dad and 4 uncles all served proudly WWII.. Purple Hearts, broken hearts, broken families all suffered in silence. Too little too late for most.
This is very nice but it has come far to late most of these veterans are now gone and I think however thought of this plan knew that. It going to cost the government a very small amount when you compare it to the number of men that served in this war. This should have happened 25 years ago , when it could have help most of the veterans from this war. It’s a token offer made for publicity.
I agree with you
Wow how many veterans ages 95 and up are still living. If you went in at 18 in 1941. That was 82 years ago plus 18 your 100. How generous!!!!. If 18 in 1946 then your 95.
Q. Why? There must all of 5 people left to get the benefit. AND THEY HAVE TO ENROLL! Q. Why isn’t benefits enrollment automatic and retroactive with increased benefit change, for all who served, most especially during war/conflicts/world policing actions, etc? The VA/gov have no problems identifying one who might owe or don’t qualify. I am sure there are records or all who served and when they served, with Honor, integrity, and distinction for their earned benefits. We were enrolled the day we enlisted!
I believe that the children from a World War II should be compensated. We grew up with a father that maybe wasn’t as present and their child’s life because of all the post traumatic stress disorder. If he hadn’t been in World War II war, I’ll probably could’ve had a different father..
what a posturing bullshit Law. They would all be over 90 at the very least.
Someone born in 1928 would be 18 in 1946. That person would be 95 now. Although this will undoubtedly help some, this program is about a decade late.
Not covering WWII Vets for certain new free coverages earlier, is not the VA’s fault.
Previous commenters are out of line for so stating or implying.
This new coverage is because of a 2022 Act of Congress-reread paragraph 2 of the article.
Instead, maybe think about praising whichever Senators and Congressmen were instrumental in getting this bill passed.
And if you want more done, consider asking their staff members how you could go about helping to make that happen.
You are right on point Ward. Tell it like it is and don’t hold back. The folks who work for the VA can only do what Congress authorizes to be done. The original services of the VA were only intended to service the severely wounded and maimed from service to their country. If you were not severely wounded and found to be totally disabled, you did not qualify for VA services, and had to fend for yourself. Ignorance is bliss, while stupidity creates misinformation.
If they want to work on something let them work on getting homeless veterans off the street and light a fire under BVA so they can process claims faster and more accurately
Makes NO sense now that most are gone!
Why did you wait so long for this? They were the greatest vets in history, and should have gotten this a long time ago! My Dad would have benefitted from this! Now he’s gone, makes NO sense! You guys screwed up!
How nice-now that a whole lot of them, including my Dad, are dead.
This is very insulting to WW ll Veterans for the VA to decide to cover them after most of them have passed away.
My dad, now deceased was a WWII vet. I’m trying to get aid and attendance for my 91 year old mother, his widow who is now in a nursing home. Applied 3 months ago. Haven’t heard anything from the VA. This should be a priority!!!!
Call your representative in the House. Mine contacted the VA directly on my father’s behalf. It still took close to 5 months but it may have moved things along.