VA health care

With VA health care, you’re covered for regular checkups with your primary care provider and appointments with specialists (like cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers). You can access Veterans health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care, and you can get medical equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. Find out how to apply for and manage the health care benefits you’ve earned.

How do I get help if I'm homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?

We offer many programs and services that may help—including free health care and, in some cases, free limited dental care. We can also help you connect with resources in your community, like homeless shelters or faith-based organizations.

Find the support you need:

• Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll talk privately with a trained VA counselor for free.
• Contact your nearest VA medical center and ask to talk with the VA social worker. If you're a female Veteran, ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
  Find the nearest VA medical center

Talk with someone right now:

If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
Chat online with a trained VA staff member

Get VA health care

• Learn how VA health care works and which Veterans health care services we cover.
• Find out if you’re eligible for Veterans health care benefits and how priority groups work.
• Learn how to prepare and apply for VA health care online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
• Start your Veterans health care application now.
• Find out when to expect a decision on your application, and what to do next.
• Are you getting medical care outside the U.S. for a service-connected condition? Find out how the Foreign Medical Program works and how to register.
• Find out if you qualify for VA medical benefits as a spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or caregiver.
• Find out if you’re eligible for discounted private dental insurance for Veterans and family members. And learn how to enroll in a plan that best meets your needs.

Manage your health and benefits

• Order a prescription refill and track your shipment online.
• Communicate privately with your VA health care team through secure messaging.
• Schedule, cancel, and manage some health appointments online.
• View, download, and print your labs and test results.
• Order hearing aid batteries and accessories, CPAP supplies, and prosthetic socks online, by phone, or by mail.
• Set up your personal health record and download reports to share with your VA and non-VA doctors.
• Update your personal, financial, or insurance information after you’re enrolled in VA health care.
• Pay your VA copay securely online, by phone or mail, or in person—and find out what to do if you’re struggling to make payments.
• Find out how to apply for reimbursement for your travel to a VA health facility.

More information and resources

• View our current copay rates for different types of care, tests, and medications.
• Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs.
• Find out how to get care for specific needs (like women’s health), and learn about service-related health concerns you should be aware of (like Agent Orange-related diseases or Camp Lejeune water contamination).
• Learn about health concerns linked to exposures during military service. Learn about the special VA health registries you can join that document Veterans' exposure to Agent Orange, depleted uranium, ionizing radiation, airborne hazards, and other hazardous materials.
• Explore VA programs to help you get and stay healthy in both body and mind.
• If you’re enrolled in VA health care, find out how you may be able to receive care from a provider in your local community through community care.
• Learn how your income affects your VA health care eligibility and costs. And find out if you may be eligible for free or reduced cost health care based on your income.
• Find out what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act and what it means for Veterans.
• Check if you can be a part of this voluntary research study to better understand the role genes play in our health.
• Get information about your VA facility, like how quickly you can be seen and what other Veterans say about their experiences.
• Review your basic rights and responsibilities when you receive care at a VA health facility or live in a VA community living center.

Other VA benefits and services

• Learn how to file a claim for disability compensation and manage your disability benefits.
• Explore your life insurance options and find out how to apply as a service member, Veteran, or family member.
• Find out if you can get increased pension pay as a Veteran or surviving spouse who has disabilities.
• Learn about Veterans burial benefits, how to plan a burial service, and how to get compensation as a survivor.
• Apply for and manage GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs.

Last updated: June 27, 2024

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Call us

• Health benefits hotline:
  877-222-VETS (8387)
• My HealtheVet help desk:
  877-327-0022
• eBenefits technical support:
  800-983-0937
• MyVA411 main information line:
  800-698-2411
• Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY)
  TTY: 711