## 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 , , some steps and clinic options can differ—plan with local requirements in mind.

Quick links for , :

Apply for VA health care
Find a VA center near you

## 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. Veteran Crisis Support: Free Hotlines, Grants, and Emergency Help ## 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.

👉 Want a quick read on eligibility? Check benefits for .

> "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](https://news.va.gov/62341/air-force-veteran-david-hanson-get-help-need/)) ---

FAQs for ,

## FAQs ### Do I have to pay if I have Medicare or private insurance? Often no for care tied to service-connected conditions; otherwise, copays can apply based on your priority group. VA may bill your private plan for non-service-connected care. ### Can my family use my VA health care? Generally no. Spouses/dependents may qualify for CHAMPVA or TRICARE depending on your disability rating and status. ### Can I use urgent care outside VA? If enrolled and eligible, you can use in-network community urgent care for minor issues; keep your VA ID handy and follow program rules about visit limits and notifications. --- ###### References

VA Health Care — Overview & How to Apply
Eligibility for VA Health Care — Priority Groups
Current VA Health Care Copay Rates
VA Community Care — When You Can Use Non-VA Providers
VA Dental Care — Who Qualifies and Options
The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits — Expanded Eligibility

Posts tagged with: va healthcare

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