How to Get Medical Bills Paid After Navy Separation

The United States Military provides a wide range of high quality benefits to its uniformed service members and their dependents. Each member of the military can rest comfortably in the knowledge that details of health care, housing and travel are well managed in return for their service to the nation's defense. The transition from military service to civilian life may present the challenge to replace the continuity of care realized while serving in uniform. Transitioning personnel must be diligent and well-informed regarding the host of resources available that provide benefits and peace of mind to veterans and their families.

Things You'll Need

• Military discharge documents
• Military medical records
• Computer with internet access
• Phone

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate your discharge status. Most Honorable and General under Honorable Conditions discharges allow full military medical benefits from 90 days to up two years following separation from service. In addition, status as a veteran in any of the recent military operations around the world may also indicate eligibility for extended medical benefits following military service.

• 2

  Apply for a Veterans Administration disability rating. Even if you have not incurred what you may consider a disability, a 0 (zero) percent rating may grant you eligibility for health care at a VA facility. A verified disability may grant you monthly compensation payments along with medical treatment at a VA facility.

• 3

  Visit state and county veterans organizations. Some state and county governments provide additional health benefits to veterans returning to their home of record following military service.

• 4

  Join the Guard or Reserve component of the five military branches. You may receive full health benefits and rank considerations due to your prior military service.

• 5

  Seek employment as a federal civilian employee. Your prior military service grants you veterans preference in hiring. You may also hold a disability rating which would also grant veterans preference. Federal employment offers full medical benefits comparable to those available for active duty service members.