The Woo Group RBC Wealth Management Hong Kong USA: Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Benefits Essentials

What is Available?

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs provides eligible military veterans and certain survivors or dependents with a standard health benefits plan that emphasizes preventive and primary care. This standard plan also offers a full range of outpatient and inpatient services within the Veterans Affairs health care system. Disability benefits and long-term care benefits are available for qualifying veterans.

It’s important to know that not all health care services are available. For example, drugs or medical devices not approved by the Federal Drug Administration are not covered by Veterans Affairs.

Key take away — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care system is designed to meet the essential medical and health needs of our nation’s military veterans.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for most veterans’ health care benefits is based on active military service in the Army, Navy, and Air

Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during World War II) with discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. Health care eligibility is not only for combat veterans.

To prevent demand for services from outstripping the resources available — thus preserving the quality of medical care and treatment provided — a priority system helps ensure that veterans with serviceconnected disabilities and those below a certain income level are able to be enrolled in the Veterans Affairs health care system.

Key take away — providing health care to veterans with service-connected disabilities and/or the ability to demonstrate financial need is the top priority of Veterans Affairs.

What are the Costs?

There is no monthly premium for Veterans Affairs health care benefits. However, co-payments are required for non-service connected and zero % non-compensable veterans whose income is above the established threshold that is set annually by Veterans Affairs.

Co-payment costs for qualified veterans for outpatient services.

·         $15 for basic care

·         $50 for specialty care

·         $8 per 30 days or less supply of prescription medicine

·         Zero co-payment for preventive care

Key take away — eligible veterans pay no premium for health care provided by Veterans Affairs. However, there are nominal co-pays, and prescription drugs are available for a highly competitive price.