Access VA Health Benefits
Medical Benefits Package
Today's Veterans receive a Medical Benefits Package, which VA administers through a patient enrollment program. Along with your enrollment in the VA health care system comes the assurance that health and treatment services will be available when and where you need them.
Accessing VA Healthcare Services
VA strives to ensure that you have access to all of your needed services wherever you receive your VA health care. This may be on-site during inpatient hospitalization, at one of our primary or specialty care clinics, at a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), in a Community Living Center (formerly known as a VA nursing home), or in a residential care facility. However, all services may not be available at every location.
Sometimes, you may need to travel to another VA facility or a community care facility to receive the necessary treatment. If that is the case, your VA Patient Alignment Care Team (PACT) will work with you to find the place best suited for you to obtain the required services.
Scheduling an Appointment and Canceling Appointments
There are many ways for Veterans to make health care appointments at the VA. Explore the options at https://www.va.gov/health/appointments.asp
Can I cancel my VA health care coverage?
Yes. However, acceptance for future VA health care coverage will be based on eligibility factors at the time of application, which may result in a denial of health care coverage.
Active Duty Servicemembers
Under certain circumstances, active duty service members may receive limited health benefits and health care services at VA medical centers through sharing agreements.
Interpreter Services
If you think foreign language (or American Sign Language) services would help you or your family understand your medical or health care benefits, contact your Patient Advocate.
Social Work Services
VA social workers are assigned to all patient treatment programs, including community-based outpatient clinics . They provide social and clinical services to Veterans and their families in resolving the social, emotional, and economic problems associated with the stresses of illness. Social workers bring skills in individual, group, and family treatment to the care of Veteran patients as they move through the continuum of care.
VA Social Work Service has responsibility for the Fisher House Program, the Temporary Lodging Program, policies on reporting suspected abuse and neglect, and family support for polytrauma patients. For more information, you can contact your local Social Work Service Office.
