Can Veterans use local hospitals?

VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed.


Can a veteran go to a local hospital?

VA might be able to do for you. When it is not possible for you to go to a VA Medical Center, you should go to the nearest hospital that has an emergency room. If you are in an ambulance, the paramedics will usually take you to the closest emergency room.

Can VA benefits be used anywhere?

To use VA benefits, you'll need to get care at a VA medical center or other VA location. We'll also cover your care if we pre-authorize you (meaning we give you permission ahead of time) to get services in a non-VA hospital or other care setting.


Can Veterans use military hospitals?

The VA provides eligible veterans a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for use at VA Medical Facilities.

Do US Veterans get free healthcare?

Can I get free VA health care as a Veteran? You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.


Confessions of a VA hospital scheduler



What do Veterans get for free?

Military retirees and vets get free access to services including home repair, health and dental, mental health, lawn maintenance, and free transportation.

Why are some Veterans not eligible for VA health care?

You must have been called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty. If you had or have active-duty status for training purposes only, you don't qualify for VA health care.

Can normal people go to military hospital?

A military hospital is a hospital owned and operated by a military. They are often reserved for the use of military personnel and their dependents, but in some countries are made available to civilians as well.


Can veterans use their own doctor?

The Veterans Choice Program allows you to get your VA related health care from civilian doctors in your community.

Why do veterans have their own hospitals?

Prior to World War I, that largely meant issuing benefits and pensions. But a hospital system was established under the Veterans Bureau as medical needs increased sharply during and after World War I — before Medicare or Medicaid existed and when private health insurance was rare.

What state has the best benefits for veterans?

#1 Overall Best State for Veterans: Texas

The benefits offered to veterans in Texas are simply unmatched by any other state. For example, Texas is one of just two states with full property tax exemptions for 100% scheduler or TDIU veterans (in addition to veterans with a 100% P&T rating).


What age do VA benefits stop?

15 years from date of last discharge or release from active duty if you were discharged before Jan. 1, 2013. If you were discharged after that date there is no expiration date.

What are the 4 types of veterans?

Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a ''disabled veteran,'' ''recently separated veteran,'' ''active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran,'' or ''Armed Forces service medal veteran. ''

Can the VA refuse to treat a veteran?

Under federal law, hospitals with emergency services are “obligated to provide medical screening examinations and stabilizing treatment to patients with emergency medical conditions,” regardless of their eligibility for care in other situations.


How do I make an appointment with my local VA?

  1. Resources and support.
  2. Call us. 800-698-2411.
  3. Visit a medical center or regional office. Find a VA location.


What do VA benefits cover?

Benefits include: Inpatient and outpatient care at VA medical facilities. Prescription drugs from VA providers. Long-term care depending on needs, income, and space availability.

What should you not say to a veteran?

What Not to Say
  • Don't ask if they've killed anyone. ...
  • Don't tread too gently around vets because you assume everyone has experienced trauma. ...
  • Don't ask them to put difficult experiences behind them. ...
  • Don't snap — even if they snap. ...
  • Don't describe their experience for them.


Will VA fill prescriptions from civilian doctors?

No, VA will only provide medications that are prescribed by authorized providers in conjunction with VA medical care. VA health care providers are under no obligation to prescribe a medication recommended by a private health care provider.

Can military members use civilian doctors?

Active duty servicemembers stationed at a military base with an on-site clinic or hospital will be assigned an on-site Primary Care Manager (PCM) and will typically be required to see their PCM for all care. However, you can still see a civilian doctor if you choose if you receive a referral or pre-authorization.

Who can get treatment in military hospital?

Treatment/hospitalization in Service Hospitals will be available to ECHS members, subject to availability of speciality, medical staff and bed space. Q2. Who are eligible to become ECHS members? Armed Forces Veterans (AFV) drawing Pension / disability pension and their dependents, as indicated at Answer 4.


Can retirees use military hospitals?

With any of these health care plans, veterans can receive care at military hospitals, medical centers, facilities, and clinics. There is a patient priority structure used when treating patients in military medical hospitals and other treatment facilities.

Can soldiers go to urgent care?

Seeking care...

You can get urgent care from any TRICARE authorized urgent care center or network provider. If you are enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan and seek urgent care from a non-network provider outside of a TRICARE authorized urgent care center, you will have to pay point-of-service option cost-shares.

What disqualifies you from VA benefits?

If you've received an other than honorable, bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge, you may not be eligible for VA benefits.


What can cause you to lose your VA benefits?

Only in cases where fraud can be proven or a serious mistake was made can your benefits be considered for termination. If you have not been receiving VA disability for ten or more years and VA determines that your injury or illness is not service-connected, your benefits may be threatened.

How long do you have to be in the military to get veterans benefits?

Generally, you must have 90 days or 24 months of active service (depending on when you served) to qualify. *You are also eligible if you previously completed 24 continuous months of active service prior to the date above, or received an early discharge under Section 1171 of Title 10.