Free Healthcare for Veterans: What VA Medical Benefits Cover (and What They Don’t)

Wondering what the VA actually pays for—and what it doesn’t?

VA health care can be a lifeline—but the rules can feel like alphabet soup. Here’s a plain-English guide to what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to get in the door fast. In Phoenix, Arizona, some steps and clinic options can differ—plan with local requirements in mind.

Start here: what to do first

• Gather the basics: your DD214 (or other separation papers), current address, income info (for means testing), and any private insurance.
• Apply once, then use it everywhere: enroll online, by phone, or in person; you’ll be placed into a priority group that affects costs and access.
• After enrollment, pick a primary care team and set up secure messaging so referrals, prescriptions, and labs move quickly.
• If you’re recently separated, served in a combat zone, or have toxic-exposure concerns, flag that during enrollment—it can expand access.
• Keep a one-page “care sheet” with medications, conditions, and service-connected issues to speed up appointments.

Copays and coverage layers: when VA is free—and when you’ll pay something

Here’s the basic shape of costs and who pays what:

• Many services are no-copay for certain groups (for example, care tied to service-connected conditions, preventive care, and most mental health).
• Copays—when they apply—depend on your priority group, income, and the type of visit (primary care, specialty, inpatient, prescriptions).
• If you have private insurance, VA may bill your plan for non-service-connected care; this typically doesn’t raise your premiums.
• Prescription costs vary by medication tier; ask about 90-day mail delivery and generics to save time and money.
• Travel pay can reimburse eligible veterans for mileage or common carrier costs to approved appointments.
• Scenario: You go to a routine cardiology visit unrelated to service. If you’re in a higher-income priority group, expect a copay; if you’re low-income or the visit relates to a rated condition, it may be $0.

Not covered (usually): dental, routine eyeglasses, and elective care—plus exceptions

What VA covers is broad, but it isn’t everything:

• Dental care is limited to specific eligibility categories (for example, 100% service-connected, a qualifying dental disability, or within certain post-discharge windows). Others can buy discounted insurance through VADIP.
• Routine eyeglasses and contacts aren’t universal benefits; coverage generally hinges on qualifying clinical needs or specific eligibility groups.
• Cosmetic or experimental procedures aren’t typically covered; “medically necessary” is the lodestar.
• Family members don’t use your VA health care; some may qualify for CHAMPVA or TRICARE depending on your status.
• Emergency and urgent care have special rules (including in-network requirements for community urgent care). Call the dedicated numbers on your VA card before going if you can.
• Scenario: Your tooth cracks on a weekend. If you don’t meet VA dental eligibility, you’ll likely use private dental care or VADIP; VA urgent care won’t routinely do definitive dental procedures.

"I got the help I needed from VA through the Prolonged Exposure Therapy Program." — Dave Hanson, Phu Cat AFB, Vietnam
(VA News, How a Vietnam Veteran overcame PTSD and survivor’s guilt)

FAQs for Phoenix, Arizona

References