Washington, D.C. — Secretary of Veterans Affairs Togo D. West Jr. announced today that VA medical facilities will enroll all honorably-discharged veterans who seek VA health care during the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.
The VA Secretary’s announcement ensures continued treatment next year for "Priority Group 7" veterans, the lowest in a seven-group listing of veterans that began in 1998 under a nationwide VA enrollment system. "Priority Group 7" veterans do not have service-connected disabilities; they are rated as "zero-compensable" for service-connected disabilities; or their incomes exceed a threshold level.
"It is my intention to serve as many veterans as possible under the law and give them access to the full range of services they need," Secretary West said.
West’s decision today assures veterans in all priority groups that they are eligible to enroll during fiscal year 2000. VA officials still recommend that veterans retain private health insurance, since it may cover services, such as emergency care, that VA does not usually provide.
The VA’s enrollment program was established by the Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996. It requires most veterans to enroll to receive health care at VA medical facilities. Veterans can apply at any time. Veterans who fall into the following groups are not required to enroll:
While not required, these exempted veterans are still encouraged to enroll so VA can plan more effectively to meet their health-care needs.
Under the enrollment program, VA offers an expanded array of health-care services, such as preventive care; primary care; inpatient and outpatient services; rehabilitation; mental health and substance abuse treatment; home health, respite and hospice care; and drugs and pharmaceuticals in conjunction with VA treatment.
Veterans can use these VA services even if they have Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Defense, or private health insurance coverage.
To apply for enrollment, veterans can call, write or visit their nearest VA health-care facility. Most facilities have designated special enrollment coordinators to assist veterans and their families, and to answer any questions they may have. Information is also available by calling 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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