Government Health Insurance through the Military
Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care
VA Health Care is a medical assistance program provided by the U.S. Government for qualified veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs the “VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities.”
VA Health Care Highlights:
- Covers comprehensive benefits for necessary inpatient hospital care and outpatient services
- Includes specialty care, emergency care, and preventative care services
- Includes other services such as home health care, nursing home care, and hospice
- There are no enrollment fees, monthly premiums, or deductibles
- Services obtained will have copays or be free, but must be obtained at VA Medical Facilities or other VA approved providers
- Enrollment in VA health care satisfies the IRS requirement to have Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) health insurance
- Veterans can apply at any time
Check veteran’s eligibility, direct qualification questions to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Benefits, or call 1-877-222-VETS (8387).
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
CHAMPVA is is a Department of Veterans Affairs program which offers comprehensive health care for spouses and children of veterans.
CHAMPVA Facts:
- Eligibility is determined by the veteran’s rating of permanent and total service-connected disability
- You are not eligible if you are eligible for TRICARE
- Most services are covered that are medically and psychologically necessary – see CHAMPVA Program Guide
- Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance apply
- There is no cost share for hospice or for services received through VA medical facilities, including services received at VA facilities under the CITI program or medications obtained through the Meds by Mail (MbM) program
- Enrollment satisfies the IRS requirement to have Minimum Essential Coverage health insurance
Questions should be referred to the Chief Business Office Purchased Care (CBOPC) which administers CHAMPVA or call 1-800-733-8387.
TRICARE
TRICARE is a regionally managed health care program of the U.S. Department of Defense Military Health System for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors. TRICARE is the civilian care component of the Military Health System. Eligibility is based on different service categories.
TRICARE Highlights:
- Available worldwide and managed in four regions through contractor partners
- Includes comprehensive coverage as well as pharmacy and dental options
- Choice of 11 plans with options of deductibles and copays
- Some plans require an enrollment fee or monthly premium and some do not
- Most, but not all, plans meet Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), so it is advisable to check with TRICARE.
Qualification questions should be referred to TRICARE or call 1-800-538-9552.