VA releases health care benefit application for Spanish-speaking Veterans

WASHNGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released the Spanish version of the application for health benefits, as part of VA’s effort to simplify and improve the health care enrollment process for Veterans.

The new language version implements the VA Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans’ recommendation to provide Spanish versions of the application and instructions.

“Our Veteran population is made up of an increasingly diverse group of people,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Our nation appreciates the service and sacrifice of all Veterans, including Hispanic and Latino Veterans. And it’s our duty to expand the ways we communicate with all Veterans, so they’re properly informed about the benefits they’ve earned.”

According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, the number of living Veterans who identify as being Hispanic or Latino, as of Sept. 30, 2017, is nearly 1.5 million people. More than half a million Veterans already enrolled in the VA health care system self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.

The form is available at VA medical facilities and online at https://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-10EZ_Spanish.pdf

Veterans can apply for VA health care benefits online at https://www.vets.gov/health-care/apply/; by telephone at 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday; at a VA health care facility; or by completing a hard copy of the form and mailing it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647.