VA Health Care Enrollment
Apply online, by phone (877-222-8387), by mail, or in person. Most veterans who served on active duty and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge qualify. PACT Act expanded eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans.
VisitVA Healthcare: find care, enroll, and get covered
A practical resource list for VA Healthcare (Department of Veterans Affairs / VHA) — enrollment, medical, dental, vision, mental health, and state programs across all 50 states. Military Healthcare (TRICARE / Department of Defense) is a separate system and has its own hub.
TRICARE and VA Healthcare are not the same healthcare system. Your eligibility, enrollment, coverage, and care options depend on your military status and circumstances — and you may be eligible for both.
In crisis right now?
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 · Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Confidential, 24/7, free — and you don't need to be enrolled in VA to use it.
Enrollment & eligibility
Start here. The PACT Act dramatically expanded eligibility — if you were denied before, reapply. A free Veterans Service Officer can file for you.
PACT Act — Toxic Exposure Benefits
Post-9/11 and Vietnam-era vets exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or radiation now qualify for expanded VA health care and disability — even if previously denied.
VisitCHAMPVA — Dependents & Survivors
Health coverage for spouses, dependents, and survivors of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled or who died in the line of duty. Not the same as TRICARE.
VisitVA Priority Groups (1–8)
Your priority group determines copays and how quickly you're enrolled. Service-connected disability, Purple Heart, former POW, and low income place you in higher-priority groups.
VisitVeterans Service Officers (VSO) — Free Help
Accredited VSOs (DAV, VFW, American Legion, state offices) file claims and appeals at no cost. Highly recommended before submitting any VA benefits paperwork.
VisitMedical care
VA hospitals, community clinics (CBOCs), and MISSION Act community care for veterans who live far from a VA facility.
Find a VA Medical Facility
Locate VA hospitals, clinics (CBOCs), and Vet Centers anywhere in the U.S. Filter by services offered: primary care, specialty care, mental health, dental, vision.
VisitVA Community Care (Non-VA Providers)
If a VA facility is too far, has long wait times, or doesn't offer the service you need, VA can authorize care from a community provider at no cost to you.
VisitMy HealtheVet — Patient Portal
Refill prescriptions, message your VA care team, view labs and appointments, download your medical records. Free account for any enrolled veteran.
VisitVeterans Choice / MISSION Act Eligibility
Under the MISSION Act, you may qualify for community care if your drive to a VA is over 30 minutes for primary care or 60 minutes for specialty care.
VisitCaregiver Support Program
Stipends, training, respite care, and mental health support for family caregivers of post-9/11 (and now pre-9/11) veterans with serious injuries or illnesses.
VisitDental care
Free VA dental is limited to specific groups. Many veterans use VADIP or FEDVIP. Donated services exist for those who can't afford coverage.
VA Dental Care Eligibility
Free comprehensive VA dental if you're 100% service-connected, a former POW, homeless, or have a service-connected dental disability. Limited care for other groups.
VisitVA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)
Discounted dental insurance through Delta Dental or MetLife for any enrolled veteran and CHAMPVA beneficiary — even if not eligible for free VA dental.
VisitFEDVIP — Retiree Dental & Vision
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program is open to military retirees and their families. Multiple carriers and plan tiers available during Open Season (Nov–Dec).
VisitDental Lifeline Network — Donated Dental Services
Free comprehensive dental care from volunteer dentists for veterans who are disabled, elderly, or medically fragile and can't afford treatment.
VisitAspen Dental Healthy Mouth Movement
Annual free dental care day for veterans (typically around Veterans Day). Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures at participating locations nationwide.
VisitVision care
Routine eye exams are covered for all enrolled vets. Eyeglasses require a service connection or specific eligibility. Lions Clubs and Operation Sight help fill the gaps.
VA Vision Care
Routine eye exams are covered for all enrolled veterans. Eyeglasses are provided if you have a service-connected condition, Purple Heart, former POW status, or specific medical conditions.
VisitVA Blind & Low Vision Rehabilitation
Comprehensive blind rehab centers, low-vision clinics, adaptive technology training, and visual impairment services teams (VIST) for legally blind veterans.
VisitFEDVIP Vision Insurance
Add-on vision coverage for retirees and families: exams, frames, lenses, contacts, and discounts on LASIK. Enroll during Open Season (Nov–Dec).
VisitLions Club VisionCare for Veterans
Local Lions Clubs provide free or reduced-cost eye exams and eyeglasses to low-income veterans through partnerships with optometrists nationwide.
VisitOperation Sight — Free Cataract Surgery
Free cataract surgery for uninsured low-income Americans, including veterans, through a network of volunteer ophthalmologists.
VisitMental health care
PTSD, depression, MST, substance use, and suicide prevention. VA offers same-day appointments; Vet Centers and Cohen clinics provide free care without VA enrollment.
Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988, then Press 1
24/7 confidential support for veterans and their families. Call 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online. You don't have to be enrolled in VA to use it.
VisitVA Mental Health Services
PTSD treatment, depression and anxiety care, MST (military sexual trauma) counseling, substance use treatment, suicide prevention. Same-day mental health appointments available.
VisitVet Centers — Free Counseling (No Enrollment Needed)
300+ community-based counseling centers for combat veterans, MST survivors, and bereaved families. Free, confidential, no VA enrollment or service-connection required.
VisitCohen Veterans Network Clinics
High-quality, low-cost mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and their families — regardless of discharge status. Telehealth available in all 50 states.
VisitGive an Hour — Free Mental Health Services
National network of volunteer mental health professionals providing free, confidential care to veterans, service members, and their loved ones.
VisitPTSD Coach App (VA)
Free self-help app from the VA National Center for PTSD. Symptom tracking, coping tools, and direct links to professional care. Available iOS and Android.
VisitMake the Connection
Veterans share recovery stories and connect to local mental health resources. Helpful first step for vets unsure whether to seek care.
VisitState & local resources
Every state has its own VA benefits, veterans homes, and tax breaks. Local 211 lines connect you to housing, transport, and emergency aid.
State Departments of Veterans Affairs
Every state has its own VA office offering state-level benefits: property tax exemptions, tuition waivers, state veterans homes (long-term care and dental), and bonus claim help.
VisitState Veterans Homes
Long-term skilled nursing, domiciliary care, and adult day care in 158 state-run homes. VA per-diem support makes them affordable for eligible veterans.
Visit211 Veterans Services
Dial 211 anywhere in the U.S. for local help: housing, food, mental health, transportation to medical appointments, and emergency financial assistance for veterans.
VisitWounded Warrior Project
Programs for post-9/11 wounded veterans: mental health (Warrior Care Network), physical health, financial wellness, peer support, and family support.
VisitMilitary Healthcare (TRICARE / Department of Defense)
Separate from VA Healthcare. TRICARE is run by the Department of Defense; Humana Military (East), TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West), and International SOS (Overseas) are regional contractors that administer it — not separate plans. Verify everything at tricare.mil.
TRICARE Plans (Department of Defense)
TRICARE is the Department of Defense health program for active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and eligible family members. Plan options depend on status and location — compare at tricare.mil.
VisitTRICARE Find a Doctor
Search the network for your specific TRICARE plan (Prime, Select, For Life, Reserve Select). Confirm the provider accepts your plan before booking.
VisitTRICARE Dental
Active duty receive dental through military clinics. Families enroll in the TRICARE Dental Program. Retirees use FEDVIP at BENEFEDS.com.
VisitTRICARE Vision Coverage
Eye exam coverage varies by plan and status. Check your plan specifics; FEDVIP offers add-on vision insurance for eligible groups.
VisitDEERS Enrollment (milConnect)
TRICARE coverage depends on current DEERS records. Verify and update sponsor and family member records before enrolling or using care.
VisitQuick checklist before any VA Healthcare or TRICARE appointment
- Have your VA ID card, DD-214 (or service ID), and a list of current medications ready.
- If using community care, confirm the referral and authorization number — show it to the front desk.
- For TRICARE, verify the provider is in-network for your specific plan (Prime/Select/Reserve/For Life).
- Check copay rules for your VA priority group — many veterans pay $0 and don't realize it.
- Ask about travel reimbursement (VA Beneficiary Travel) if you traveled over 50 miles for care.
- Bring a Veterans Service Officer or family member if you're filing a disability claim from the visit.
- After the appointment, request a copy of your visit notes and download them in My HealtheVet.
Need help navigating veterans benefits?
Tell the advocate your service status (active, reserve, retired, separated), service-connected rating if any, ZIP code, and what kind of care you need. It can match you to the right VA program, TRICARE plan, or community resource.
Get veterans care help