Veterans Encouraged to Apply to VA Healthcare, Says Disabled Veterans National Foundation

News provided by

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

Aug 09, 2013, 08:35 ET

The Affordable Care Act takes effect on October 1

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (www.dvnf.org), a non-profit veterans service organization that focuses on helping men and women who serve and return home wounded or sick after defending our safety and our freedom, is urging Veterans and their families to learn more on the Affordable Care Act that takes effect October 1^st. DVNF cites the Department of Veterans Affairs leadership and actions in launching an awareness campaign and a new website, www.va.gov/aca, to inform Veterans and their families on how the Affordable Care Act will affect them. According to the VA, Veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs will see no change in their benefits or out-of-pocket costs when portions of the Affordable Care Act take effect next year. According to a recent public release, the VA is encouraging veterans to enroll in VA health care.

"VA wants all Veterans to receive health care that improves their health and well-being," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "If you are enrolled in VA health care, you do not need to take any additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards. If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time."

"VA encourages eligible Veterans who are not enrolled in VA's health care system to take advantage of the world-class care we provide to the men and women who have served this Nation in uniform," Shinseki added.

Veterans can apply for VA health care at any time by visiting http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/ or calling 1-877-222-8387.

"The information the VA provides and we support this effort is so important for our Veterans to get the vital information they need to their questions and concerns are address prior to the new Health Care Law taking effect," said Precilla Wilkewitz.

VA's health care system for Veterans has no enrollment fee, no monthly premiums and no deductibles. Most Veterans also have no out-of-pocket costs, though some may have small copayments for some health care or prescription drugs. "There are too many Veterans and their families who have no health insurance and this is not acceptable given the sacrifices they all have made for us all."

According to the VA, there are more than 1.3 million Veterans and more than 950,000 spouses and children of Veterans without health insurance. Most uninsured Veterans are eligible for VA health care. For those who are not eligible for VA care – such as Veterans' family members – the law created a new Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Affordable Care Act was created to expand access to coverage, reduce rising health care costs, and improve health care quality and care coordination. The Affordable Care Act creates new opportunities for coverage for uninsured Veterans and their families.

VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities.

For more, go to www.dvnf.org and www.va.gov.

Media Contact:
Doug Walker, Communications Manager, 202-737-0522, Email