The United States federal government offers several different benefit programs to senior citizens who lack financial resources for healthcare. However, VA Health Care benefits are only available to those people who served our country in the armed forces. If you are a veteran who served on active duty and received any discharge other than dishonorable, you may be eligible to receive VA Health Care benefits from the Veteran’s Administration. Here is everything you should know about VA Health Care benefits:
Enrollment
The VA automatically enrolls veterans in its health care program if the care needed is related to a service injury or if there is a disability rating of 50% or more from a disability that stems from time in the service. If neither of these cases fit, then one you can contact a Southern California elder law attorney who is experienced with VA benefits to help you apply directly to the VA to receive your benefits.
Financial Requirements
As with other benefit programs funded by the federal government, there are financial requirements that must be met to receive VA benefits. One factor that makes eligibility tricky is the number of income thresholds used to determine which VA benefits you may be entitled to. This is why it’s important to speak with an experienced Southern California elder lawyer to get the best view of your financial situation and determine what kind of VA Health Care benefits are available to you. When looking at your finances, you may also want to speak with the elder law attorney about the pros and cons of setting up a VA Trust. A VA Trust is a type of irrevocable trust that can protect your assets while still allowing you to receive VA benefits.
Health Care
Once you begin to receive VA Health Care benefits, you’ll be eligible to receive care in the form of doctor’s visits, emergency medical care, mental health care, and in-patient hospital stays. You may be responsible for co-pays and deductibles that are involved with these types of care, so it’s in your best interest to consult with an elder law attorney to understand what the VA Health Care benefits will provide you according to your situation.
If you would like to learn more about VA Health Care benefits and how to determine your eligibility for them, or if you’re currently applying for VA benefits for a loved one and would like some guidance, please set up an appointment at our San Fernando elder law office by calling (818) 905-6088.
