The nature of the VA health care will change over the next few years. Veterans will be treated for their Service Connected disabilities. The Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 has currently opened the VA to all veterans. Veterans who are not service connected, not on NSC Pension, or over a certain income limit, may have to pay a copay for services.* You need to check with your local VA to get more details.
*If a veteran is service connected at 0% they do not pay a copay for their service connection.
Note: The rules on amount charged for copay changed in 2001 with different levels for different types of visits (treatment received). The maximum fee is still based on Medicare Part B deduction of inpatient stays, or outpatient office visits.
Note: VA prescription copay jumped to 8 dollars in 2006. The level of copay for medical visits is dependent on the specialty rating of the clinic. There is no copay cost to see your VIST Coordinator, but there is a $15 charge to see the Blind Rehab Outpatient Specialist.
All veterans who are not 50% service connected or higher, or not on NSC pension, or with income level below a prescribed amount may be required to pay a medications copayment. The only exception is when the medication is for a service connected condition or if the medications are related to a specific study that the veteran has agreed to be involved with and it is stipulated that there is no copayment for medications.
Note: In 2001 VA Health Care Benefits for the Homeless increased greatly to include full dental care.
Note: Veterans serving after 1980 must meet the criteria of 24 consecutive months of active duty or be service connected, or currently on NSC Pension to be eligible for VA health care.
For more information on Copayments go to:
http://www.visn8.med.va.gov/nfsg/files/medicationCopayments.pdf
Veterans should consider enrollment in the electronic page for veteran health care. It is a great way to order medications and to find medical information. The website is:
http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
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