Veteran Benefits
VA Health Care
Health care benefits and online tools for veterans with service-connected disabilities or who meet other eligibility requirements.
There’s a free calculator on this page - find your health-care priority group. No sign-up, no cost.
Who this is for
You earned the right to real health care for your service - doctors, prescriptions, mental-health support, and regular checkups. A lot of older veterans assume they either do not qualify or that it costs too much. Very often, neither one is true.
In plain language
What VA Health Care covers
- Regular checkups with a primary care provider and access to specialists
- Prescriptions, mental health care, and preventive services
- Priority is grouped so those with service-connected conditions or limited income are seen first
- Online tools to refill prescriptions, message your care team, and view records
Enrolling in VA Health Care with Form 10-10EZOfficial video - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - theSITREP
8 priority groups
Where you land sets your copays and how soon you are seen
$0
Copays for a service-connected condition, and for veterans rated 10%+
$700/yr
Prescription copay cap - after that, medications are free
Find where you land
VA health care priority group finder
Your priority group determines your enrollment, copays, and how soon you're seen. Answer a few questions about your rating and eligibility flags to see which of the eight priority groups you most likely fall into.
What is your VA disability rating?
Check anything that is true for you
You do not need all of these - the VA places you in the highest group you qualify for.
You likely fall in
Priority Group 8
Standard copays
Veterans whose income is above the VA thresholds. Being in Group 8 does not mean you are turned away - you still receive full VA health care.
Check official VA eligibilityEstimate only. Your exact group depends on the VA's review and income limits that vary by ZIP code. Confirm on va.gov.
This calculator is free. No sign-up, no catch.
Most people in this business hide tools like this behind a paywall or a sign-up form. We don’t. Use it as much as you need. And if you want a real accredited agent to look at your actual claim, we’re one call away — it’s free to talk, and free to file your claim.
Albert L. Thombs Jr. — VA-accredited claims agent (#45147), a disabled veteran with a team of advocates who do this every day.
The eight priority groups
What are the priority groups?
When you enroll in VA health care, the VA places you in one of eight priority groups. The group decides how soon you are seen, what your copays are, and whether your medications are free. Tap any group below to see who is in it and what it means for you.
This is the top of the list. It covers veterans the VA has rated 50% or higher, veterans who cannot work because of service-connected conditions (TDIU), and Medal of Honor recipients. You are enrolled first, ahead of every other group.
Costs: Your care and your medications for service-connected needs are free - no copays.
The VA assigns you to the highest group you qualify for. Exact placement depends on the VA's review and on income limits that vary by ZIP code. Confirm your group on va.gov or by calling 1-877-222-8387.
The full picture
Everything you need to know
Nothing hidden behind a click. Here is the whole story in plain language, so you can decide what fits your situation.
Key facts & current figures
- After enrolling you are placed in one of 8 priority groups; veterans rated 50%+ or unemployable, and Medal of Honor recipients, are Group 1.
- Care for a service-connected condition is generally free, and veterans rated 10% or higher are exempt from outpatient and inpatient copays.
- Prescription copays are capped at $700 per calendar year; after that, medications are free for the rest of the year.
- Thanks to the PACT Act, many toxic-exposure veterans can enroll directly without filing a disability claim first.
General figures, current as of December 2025 and reviewed each year. Your exact amount depends on your situation - always confirm on va.gov.
What VA health care covers
- It covers regular check-ups, hospital care, surgery, mental health care, lab tests, X-rays, and prescriptions.
- It also covers preventive care like vaccines and screenings, plus specialty care such as audiology (hearing), vision, and physical therapy.
- Many seniors use VA health care alongside Medicare. You are allowed to have both.
Priority groups: where you fit
- When you enroll, the VA places you in one of 8 priority groups. Group 1 is the highest priority.
- Veterans rated 50% or higher, those who cannot work due to service-connected conditions, and Medal of Honor recipients are in Group 1.
- Lower-income veterans and those exposed to toxins under the PACT Act also receive higher priority.
Costs and copays
- Care for a service-connected condition is generally free.
- Veterans rated 10% or higher are exempt from outpatient and inpatient copays.
- Prescription copays are capped at $700 per calendar year. After you reach the cap, your medications are free for the rest of the year.
Step by step: how to enroll (this is always free)
- Step 1: Gather your DD-214, a copy of your most recent tax return (for income-based groups), and your insurance cards including Medicare.
- Step 2: Apply using VA Form 10-10EZ. You can apply online at va.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at any VA medical center.
- Step 3: Once enrolled, call to set up your first primary-care appointment.
- Thanks to the PACT Act, many toxic-exposure veterans can enroll directly without filing a disability claim first.
Your complete benefit picture
You do not have to sort this out alone
VA Health Care often stacks with the other benefits below. Our free assistant explains it in plain language, and an accredited specialist can review your situation at no cost.
Worth knowing
The PACT Act opened the door wider
Many toxic-exposure veterans can now enroll directly, without filing a disability claim first. If you were near burn pits or Agent Orange, you may be eligible today.
You can also keep VA health care alongside Medicare - having both is allowed, and common for seniors.
Free toxic-exposure screening
Every enrolled veteran can get one - ask at your VA facility or call 1-800-698-2411.
Income-based groups
Limited income can raise your priority group even without a service-connected rating.
A clear path forward
Your step-by-step action plan
No rush and no pressure - but a little order helps. Applying is always free.
First
Gather your documents
Have your DD-214, your most recent tax return (for income-based groups), and your insurance cards including Medicare.
Apply once
File VA Form 10-10EZ
Apply online at va.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, by mail, or in person at any VA medical center.
Once enrolled
Set up primary care
Call to schedule your first primary-care appointment and get established with a provider.
Who to call & where to go
These are free, official VA lines. Have your Social Security number handy when you call.
MyVA411 - Main VA Line
Not sure who to call? Start here. One number for anything VA - they route you to the right office.
Rather have us handle it?
No phone tag, no hold music. Call our office and a real, VA-accredited person walks you through it - start to finish.
702-992-4883Download the forms
Not sure where to start?
Apply once with VA Form 10-10EZ online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center. Have your discharge papers (DD-214) and basic income information ready.
More benefits for veterans
These often go hand in hand - tap any card to learn more.
Get a free benefit review
Tell us how to reach you and an accredited team member will help you understand this benefit and claim everything you have earned. No cost, no obligation.
Not sure if this applies to you?
Ask our free assistant a few plain questions and get an honest read on what you and your family may qualify for - at no cost.
Prefer to read first? Browse our free resources.