Many veterans are eligible for extensive health benefits
Find information about medical issues and health benefits for veterans.
Health Benefits for Veterans
Many veterans are eligible for extensive health benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Health benefits include:
- Inpatient and outpatient care at VA medical facilities
- Mental health care
- Women veterans health care
- Geriatrics and Extended Care
- Prescriptions
Find VA Medical Facilities
Use the VA facility locator to find VA medical centers, clinics, and vet centers. Vet centers provide mental health counseling.
Eligibility
If you served on active duty and your discharge was anything other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health benefits.
- Check this veterans health care eligibility list to see if you qualify.
- You may qualify based on income alone.
- You can also check your eligibility by answering up to 15 questions in the Health Benefits Explorer.
Apply for Medical Benefits
It’s easier than ever to apply for VA medical benefits. Visit VA.gov to apply online or by phone, mail, or in person.
Affordable Care Act and VA Medical Benefits
If you are enrolled in the VA health care system, you meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act health care law.
Complaints about VA Health Care
If you have a complaint about any aspect of your care (healthcare provider, medical facility, etc.) you can:
- Discuss the problem with the provider or his or her supervisor.
- Contact the patient advocate. A patient advocate manages feedback from veterans, family members, and friends.
- Take additional steps.
For more information, call 1-877-222-VETS ( 1-877-222-8387 ).
Mental Health for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health program can help veterans and family members dealing with suicidal thoughts, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual trauma, and other issues.
Veterans Crisis Line counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Spanish interpreters are available.
- Chat online
- Send a text message to 838255
You can also find help through these websites and toll-free numbers:
- The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET)
- The Women Veterans Call Center – 1-855-VA-WOMEN
- The National Center for PTSD and the PTSD program locator
- VA facility locator – Each VA medical center has mental health specialists.
- Vet Center locator – (Select “Vet Center” from the dropdown list.) These VA community-based centers provide a range of counseling, outreach, and referral services.
- Substance Abuse Disorder program locator
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, with sections for servicemembers and veterans, as well as for family and caregivers
- inTransition, a voluntary program with coaches who provide psychological health care support to service members and veterans during times of transition. Call 1-800-424-7877. Outside the U.S., call (DSN) 1-800-424-4685.
- Make the Connection, which links vets, friends, and family to information, resources, and solutions for various life issues
- Vets4Warriors – Round-the-clock peer-based support by veterans for veterans, service members, family members, and caregivers. Call 1-855-838-8255 or visit their website to contact them by chat or email.
- The Caregiver Support Line – 1-855-260-3274
- VA Mental Health self-help resources
- Connected Health (formerly the National Center for Telehealth & Technology) provides free mobile apps including Dream EZ (helps “rewrite” nightmares to make them less intense and less frequent) and Tactical Breather (provides guided breathing instruction to gain control over heart rate, emotions, concentration, and other responses caused by stressful situations.)
