VA Healthcare — Are You Enrolled?
Millions of eligible veterans aren't using VA healthcare. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Enroll?
VA healthcare can be one of the most valuable benefits a veteran ever uses — and many eligible veterans still never sign up.
All enrolled veterans can access mental health care at no cost.
Priority Groups
VA uses 8 priority groups to decide enrollment order and copay rules.
50%+ or TDIU
50%+ service-connected disability or receiving TDIU.
30-40%
30-40% service-connected disability.
Special qualifying groups
Purple Heart, former POW, Medal of Honor, DIC, discharge for disability, some Vietnam exposure cases.
Catastrophic disability
Catastrophically disabled veterans without service connection.
Low income / pension
Below VA income threshold or receiving VA pension.
0-10% + special eligibility
Compensable 0-10% or qualifying exposures/combat/MST categories.
Above income threshold
Usually 0% non-compensable and over income limit.
Higher income / no SC rating
Above income threshold with no service-connected disability.
| Group | Who qualifies | Copays |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 | 50%+ service-connected disability OR receiving TDIU | No copays |
| Priority 2 | 30-40% service-connected disability | No copays |
| Priority 3 | Former POW, Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, discharged for disability, receiving DIC, Vietnam vets with Agent Orange conditions | No copays |
| Priority 4 | Catastrophically disabled (not service-connected) | No copays |
| Priority 5 | Low income (below VA income threshold), receiving VA pension | No copays |
| Priority 6 | 0-10% service-connected but compensable, or exposed to ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War illness, combat after 11/11/98, or MST | No copays for SC conditions |
| Priority 7 | Above income threshold, 0% non-compensable | Copays apply |
| Priority 8 | Above income threshold, no service-connected disability | Copays apply; some may be declined enrollment |
What's Covered?
🏥 Inpatient & Outpatient Care
Hospital stays, surgeries, specialist visits, and preventive care.
🧠 Mental Health
Therapy, psychiatry, PTSD treatment, and substance use care — free for all enrolled veterans.
💊 Prescriptions
Generic $11 copay / brand name $22 copay, and free for Priority 1-6 veterans.
🦷 Dental
Free for 100% P&T, former POWs, or Vocational Rehab participants. Limited for others.
👁️ Vision
Routine eye exams and glasses for certain groups, plus low vision rehab services.
🦽 Prosthetics & Equipment
Wheelchairs, hearing aids, CPAP machines, orthotics, and other durable equipment.
🏃 Rehab & Physical Therapy
PT, OT, speech therapy, and limited chiropractic services.
🚗 Transportation
Beneficiary Travel reimbursement for eligible VA appointments at 41.5 cents per mile.
📱 Telehealth
Video appointments for most primary care and mental health visits.
🏡 Home & Community Care
Home health aides and adult day programs for eligible veterans.
💉 Vaccines
Flu, COVID, shingles, and other standard vaccines.
🔬 Lab & Imaging
Blood work, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and diagnostic testing.
Special Programs
A. MISSION Act / Community Care
- If VA can't see you within 20 days for primary care or 28 days for specialty care, VA may pay for an outside provider.
- If you live more than 30 minutes from a VA facility, you may qualify for community care.
- VA Community Care Eligibility tool
B. Caregiver Support Program
- PCAFC can provide stipend, health insurance, and training for caregivers of seriously injured post-9/11 veterans.
- General Caregiver Support is available for pre-9/11 veterans too.
- Phone: 1-855-260-3274
C. Women Veterans Healthcare
- Dedicated Women Veterans Health Program at most VA medical centers.
- Includes reproductive health, MST treatment, mammograms, and OB/GYN care.
- Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-829-6636
D. Homeless Veteran Programs
- HUD-VASH vouchers combine housing support and case management.
- Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) helps with healthcare access.
- National Call Center: 1-877-424-3838
E. Vet Centers
- Community-based counseling centers separate from VA hospitals.
- Free counseling for combat veterans, MST survivors, and their families.
- 300+ locations nationwide.
- Find a Vet Center
How to Enroll
Check eligibility
- Served on active duty, not training only
- Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Meet at least one qualifying category like service-connected disability, recent combat discharge, low income, or another eligibility pathway
Gather documents
- DD-214
- Social Security Number
- Financial information if applying under income-based eligibility
- Current insurance information for non-service-connected billing
Apply
- Online: VA Form 10-10EZ
- Phone: 1-877-222-8387 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET)
- In person: Visit your nearest VA medical center enrollment office
Receive your priority group
- VA will notify you by mail
- You can appeal if you disagree with the assignment
Schedule your first appointment
- Call your assigned VA medical center or use MyHealtheVet
- Start with primary care
- Mention all service-connected conditions during intake
Key Benefits by Rating
| Disability Rating | Healthcare Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (non-compensable) | Copays may apply | Still worth enrolling |
| 10-20% | Free for SC conditions | Copays for non-SC |
| 30-40% | Free for SC conditions | Priority Group 2 — lower copays |
| 50%+ | FREE for everything | Priority Group 1 — no copays ever |
| 100% P&T | FREE + FREE dental | Full dental coverage added |
| TDIU | Same as 100% | Paid at 100% rate |
Dental Coverage Details
🦷 Full dental coverage
100% P&T veterans, former POWs, Vocational Rehab participants, and certain homeless-program participants may qualify.
⏱️ One-time dental
OEF/OIF/OND veterans discharged within 180 days may qualify for one-time dental care.
📋 Dental insurance option
Enrolled veterans who do not qualify for free dental can buy low-cost coverage through Delta Dental or MetLife.
🚫 Most 0-90% non-P&T vets
Usually do not get free routine dental unless another qualifying circumstance applies.
Copay Rates (2026)
| Service | Priority 1-6 (SC) | Priority 7-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Inpatient care (first 90 days) | $0 | $1,636 + $2/day |
| Inpatient care (after 90 days) | $0 | $818 + $2/day |
| Primary care visit | $0 | $15 |
| Specialty care visit | $0 | $50 |
| Generic prescription | $0 | $11 |
| Brand name prescription | $0 | $22 |
| Mental health | $0 | $0 (always free) |