Applying for Veterans Administration Medical Benefits

Did you know that if you have ever served in the armed forces of the United States and left that service with other than a dishonorable discharge, you are probably eligible for medical benefits through the Veterans Administration? My husband served for just less than two years in 1969-1970, with the majority of that time in a Vietnam duty station. I have tried for years to get him to apply for benefits, since we have no other health insurance. A few months ago, he finally agreed to allow me to fill out the paperwork to get him enrolled.

The process of enrolling for Veterans Administration benefits is very simple and easy. The forms can be found online at the VA website When you fill out the application forms you have to designate a location where you want to be seen by a doctor. You can look up the location of the Veterans Medical Clinics in your area on their website. It took me only about thirty minutes to fill them out. You have to enclose a copy of your DD-214 with the application forms.

It only took about thirty days after I mailed the forms in for my husband to get his initial exam appointment. At the first appointment, you will receive a very thorough physical exam and a complete lab workup. From that initial exam, if you need to be seen by any specialists the VA will set up your appointments automatically.

Since my husband had to see a specialist that was not available at the clinic where he had his initial exam, he was offered transportation to the VA Medical Center by a shuttle bus. However, we opted to drive there ourselves. Viet Nam veterans who want to be tested for contamination by Agent Orange have to request that exam appointment separately from their initial examination.

Depending on your income and whether or not you have a service connected disability, there may or may not be a co-payment for physicians visits, specialists visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medications. Since my husband has no service-connected disability, he did not qualify for free medical care. However, based on our income, his co-pays were set at the following rates:

Primary care physician visits: $15
Specialist visits, such as with a dermatologist: $50
Hospitalization: $982
Prescription drugs: $8 per 30-day supply

With Veterans Administration medical benefits, getting your prescription drugs refilled is very easy. Each time you receive your medication, it will include a refill form. You can either mail it in, or you can call a toll-free telephone number and place your refill order by phone. In a week or so, your medications will arrive by mail. Your bill for your co-pay will arrive later in a separate envelope. The VA allows payment by check, credit card, or money order.

You may also apply for benefits in person, or get assistance by telephone by calling 877-222-VETS.