VA health care

What this actually is

Health care through the VA, with your access and costs determined by a priority group system. Copays apply for some care, tests and medications — VA publishes current copay rates — but income affects both eligibility and cost, and veterans below income thresholds may be eligible for free or reduced-cost care. The mistake that costs veterans years of care is assuming they are not eligible and never applying. Eligibility and priority groups are determined by the VA on application, not by your own reading of the rules.

Who qualifies, and what trips people up

Based on service history, service-connected conditions, income and other factors, which together set your priority group. Enrolment is a separate act from being a veteran — apply and let VA determine the group. If you were told no in an earlier era, the rules have changed repeatedly since; a previous denial is not a current answer.