subject: Health Insurance For Veterans [print this page] Regardless of age or combat experience, the federal government offers veterans the option of affordable, comprehensive health insurance. Some veterans even qualify to be provided this program with no premiums.
Eligibility is determined by the federal government, and requires that any applying veteran was honorably discharged or released from duty. Anyone that served in the Navy, Army, or Air Force in an active capacity is eligible, as are some people that were previously in the National Guard or Reserve. Individuals that were in these latter departments must have been called up for active duty and have completed their full call-up period.
Some individuals that will likely not be found eligible for veterans health insurance benefits include those that exceed a certain income threshold, and are thus considered to be high income. Anyone who was in the National Guard or Reserve and was never called up to serve is also unlikely to qualify for this program. Also, those that are dishonorably discharged from duty are unlikely to qualify.
Beyond these specific qualifications, some veterans may also have to fulfill additional requirements depending on their specific circumstances and military experience. Veterans may apply for health coverage online or on paper through the enrollment coordinator at the local VA health care facility.
As with any application for health care or federal assistance, there is some important paperwork that must be submitted along with the actual application. Any information regarding your current financial, medical, personal information may be requested, as well as your Military Service Record.
After an application has been submitted, there is no required period of time in which the VA must evaluate your request. Unfortunately, the only thing that you can do at this point is to wait for a response. If a rejection letter is received despite your qualification, it is likely due to a failure to submit one or more necessary documents. In this case, call the number on the letter and send in the needed item. Some cases may require beginning the application process again.
In addition to the health care coverage for veterans, there is now assistance offered for caregivers of veterans that have been disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. These benefits include a monthly stipend to offset daily living expenses such as food and housing, health care coverage for the caregiver, and respite care. In addition, travel expenses are also covered while traveling with the veteran undergoing care and respite care. Mental health and counseling services are also offered in recognition of the challenges associated with this type of caregiving.
Upon discharge from the armed forces, it is in your best interest to apply for veteran's health insurance benefits as soon as possible. With the potential for accidentally forgetting to submit a required document and the variability in which the agency evaluates applications, planning ahead is certainly desirable in this case.
by: Casey Trillbar
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