About VA health benefits
If you qualify for VA health care, you’ll receive coverage for the services you need to help you get—and stay—healthy. Learn more about your health care benefits.
What care and services does VA health care cover?
Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique. Yours will include care and services to help:
- Treat illnesses and injuries
- Prevent future health problems
- Improve your ability to function
- Enhance your quality of life
All Veterans receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will qualify for added benefits like dental care. The full list of your covered benefits depends on:
- Your priority group, and
- The advice of your VA primary care provider (your main doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant), and
- The medical standards for treating any health conditions you may have
Learn more about priority groups
You should also know that being signed up for VA health care meets your Affordable Care Act (ACA) health coverage requirement of having “minimum essential health coverage.” We’ll update this site if the ACA changes with new laws.
What if I’m just separating from active duty and don’t know where to start?
We can help you learn about and apply for VA health care benefits. A member of our Concierge for Care (C4C) team will call you soon after your separation from military service. We can answer any questions you may have, process your application over the phone, and help you schedule your first VA medical appointment.
Learn about transitioning from TRICARE to VA health care
Eligibility for VA health care
Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran.
Can I get VA health care benefits?
You may be able to get VA health care benefits if you served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge.
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If you enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, you must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty, unless any of the descriptions below are true for you.
This minimum duty requirement may not apply if any of these are true. You:- Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
- Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
- Served prior to September 7, 1980
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If you’re a current or former member of the Reserves or National Guard, you must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don’t qualify for VA health care.
How to apply for VA health care
Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member.
How do I prepare before starting my application?
- Find out if you’re eligible for VA health care benefits
- Gather the documents listed below that you’ll need to fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ)
What documents and information do I need to apply?
- Your most recent tax return
- Social Security numbers for yourself and your qualified dependents
- Account numbers for any current health insurance you already have (like Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer)
How do I apply?
You can apply online right now.
Apply for health care benefits
You can also apply:
By phone
Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET to get help with your application.
By mail
Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
Download VA Form 10-10EZ (PDF)
You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:
- If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
- If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.
Send your completed application here:
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329
In person
Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ).
Download VA Form 10-10EZ (PDF)
You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:
- If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
- If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.
Go to your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) with you.
Find a VA medical center or clinic near you
Or get help through your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Find your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs
Get the help of a trained professional
Get help filing your claim
What happens after I apply?
Find out what happens after you apply
If you’ve also applied for a VA pension or disability benefits, you can check the status of those claims online.
Check the status of your claim
How long does it take VA to make a decision?
Less than 1 week
If more than a week has passed since you gave us your application and you haven’t heard back, please don’t apply again. Call our toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.