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Healthcare Benefits for Veterans

Soldiers who have served in active duty in the United States Armed Forces and who have an honorable standing are, under the law, considered veterans. Military veterans have access to a variety of health care services that are available on an "as needed" basis. These benefits are available for both active duty and retired soldiers.

  1. Comprehensive Care

    • Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits include both inpatient and outpatient care. Enrollees have access to over 1,400 VA facilities located in the United States. The VA system also includes outreach projects such as the Medical Care Hardship program, for veterans who are unemployed or otherwise financially distressed and who have difficulties paying for copays.

    Standard Benefits

    • All veterans enrolled in the VA medical program are entitled to standard military health care benefits. This includes prescription drugs, immunizations, physical exams, education and medical screening. Mental health services, substance abuse and counseling are also available as part of a veteran's standard benefits. If necessary, benefits cover surgery, including reconstructive/plastic surgery.

    Special Programs

    • The VA offers health care benefits for special case situations, such as treating soldiers who were exposed to Agent Orange, or more recently nuclear radiation or Gulf War Syndrome. In addition, the VA offers such special services as medical surveillance programs for soldiers who worked in hazardous areas.

    TRICARE

    • Originally known as CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services), TRICARE is a health care insurance program for soldiers and veterans seeking care in the private market, particularly in civilian health care facilities TRICARE covers medical care, dental services, mental health services and prescription drugs. It is also available for military personnel and their families overseas.

    Combat Veterans

    • Soldiers who have served in combat duty enjoy special benefits in the VA health care system. This includes an exemption from copays for medical services dealing with medical conditions stemming from a combat-related injury. Under certain conditions combat veterans may also be exempt from paying copays for health care services regarding conditions that aren't related to combat injuries.

    Dental Care

    • The VA health care program also offers dental care for veterans under certain conditions. Coverage is broken up into classifications. Some classifications provide any dental care that is necessary for dental issues that arise from service-related injuries, while others provide dental care for vocational rehabilitation purposes. There are even programs for providing dental care to homeless military veterans.

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