|  | Healthcare Industry | Health Insurance

Medical Coverage After Military Discharge

One of the ways that the United States government tries to take care of its military veterans is by offering medical benefits. These benefits are administered through the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and most veterans are eligible to receive them. Under this program, skilled and highly trained medical professionals meet the needs of veterans through a network of VA facilities across the country.

  1. Types of Discharge

    • Qualifying for medical benefits after discharge depends on the type of discharge you receive. Veterans who are discharged under General and Honorable discharge receive medical benefits. Those who receive Under Other Than Honorable Conditions as their discharge also receive benefits. A Bad Conduct discharge removes almost all benefits, and those who receive a Dishonorable discharge also will not receive medical benefits.

    Medical Benefits Package

    • The VA medical benefits package provides all enrolled veterans with preventative care services, ambulatory diagnostic and treatment services, hospital diagnostic and treatment services, and medicines and supplies. Special services available to some veterans include dental care and long-term care. The main limit on these services is the requirement for veterans to receive care at a VA facility. As of 2011 there are 1,400 of these facilities in the United States. Some homebound veterans who receive Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits may be able to receive care or medications outside the approved VA health-care facilities.

    How to Qualify

    • In addition to the type of discharge, former military members have to meet income qualifications to qualify for care. In 2003 the VA stopped enrolling people whose income exceeded set income thresholds. Since that time the highest income-earning veterans have been unable to receive benefits. Those who were former prisoners of war, had service-related injuries or disabilities, or received the Purple Heart qualify regardless of income. Length of service also plays a role in determining eligibility.

      Veterans interested in learning whether or not they are eligible can complete an eligibility survey through the VA website. Depending on income level, some veterans will need to pay a co-pay for services they receive. Traditional insurance can cover this co-pay amount.

    How to Apply

    • Veterans who are eligible to receive benefits need to complete VA Form 10-10EZ Application for Health Benefits. It can be obtained online (va.gov) or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). Once it is filled out, the applicant mails it to the nearest VA medical center, at which time the personnel schedules an appointment. Veterans are notified in writing of their appointment time and eligibility status. The appointment finalizes the application and the veteran can begin taking advantage of benefits.

Health Insurance - Related Articles