If you are a veteran or a dependent of a veteran, this federal program provides you with medical benefits such as hospital care, nursing home services, home health services, and inpatient or outpatient treatment. Other services include preventive and primary health care in any Veterans Administration (VA) health care center in the country, eyeglasses, hearing aids, homelessness programs, dental benefits, prosthetic and orthotic devices, mental health programs, and rehabilitation services.

Additionally, prescription drugs, including over-the-counter drugs and medical and surgical supplies, are covered if they are on the VA’s list.

If you have Medicare, you can get prescription drug assistance through the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D) program. However, if you have VA benefits, you do not have to enroll in Medicare Part D. Since the VA pharmacy benefit is at least as good as Medicare Part D (also called creditable coverage), you are not required to enroll and will not receive a penalty by Medicare for not enrolling with this coverage when it first begins.

If you choose to enroll in Medicare Part D later, you can do so during the annual open enrollment period without paying higher premiums. Check with the VA for additional information on how its program works with Medicare Part D.

How do I apply?

You can apply for the VA Health Care System by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. This application form is available in 3 ways:

1. Print and fill out the VA Form 10-10EZ and follow the forms instructions for submitting it.
2. Call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) to apply over the phone or to ask them to mail the application to you.
3. Apply online.