OVERVIEW
In October 1996, Congress passed Public Law 104-262, the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996. This legislation paved the way for the creation of a Medical Benefits Package - a standard enhanced health benefits plan available to all enrolled veterans. Like other standard health care plans, the Medical Benefits Package emphasizes preventive and primary care, offering a full range of outpatient and inpatient services.
VA places a priority on improved veteran satisfaction. Their goal is to ensure the quality of care and service you receive is consistently excellent, in every location, in every program. Under the Medical Benefits Package, VA offers you, the veteran, a comprehensive health care plan that provides the care you need.
Our office will assist you in completing the application for medical benefits, VA Form 10-10EZ. Please contact Pine County Veterans Services at 320-246-4250 or toll-free at 800-450-7463 ext. 4250. Walk in assistance is available at our office located at 1602 Hwy 23 North, Sandstone, Minnesota.
FEATURED INFORMATION
- Priority Groups
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs)
- TRICARE
RELATED INFORMATION
Eligibility for enrollment in VA's Health Care System
What are the Priority Groups?
Once you apply for enrollment (VA Form 10-10-EZ), your eligibility will be verified. Based on your specific eligibility status, you will be assigned a priority group.
The priority groups are as follows, ranging from 1-8 with 1 being the highest priority for enrollment. Under the Medical Benefits Package, the same services are generally available to all enrolled veterans.
As of January 17, 2003, VA is not accepting new Priority Group 8 veterans for enrollment (veterans falling into Priority Groups 8e and 8g.)
Priority Group 1
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or more disabling, or Veterans determined by VA to be unemployable due to service-connected conditions
Priority Group 2
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or 40% disabling
Priority Group 3
Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 10% or 20% disabling
Veterans who are former POWs
Veterans awarded the Purple Heart
Veterans whose discharge was for a disability that began in the line of duty
Veterans awarded special eligibility classification under Title 38, U.S.C., Section 1151, "benefits for individuals disabled by VA treatment or participation in VA vocational rehabilitation program"
Priority Group 4
Veterans who are receiving aid and attendance or housebound benefits (on pension) from VA
Veterans who have been determined by VA to be catastrophically disabled
Priority Group 5
Veterans receiving VA pension benefits
Veterans eligible for Medicaid benefits
Veterans with income and assets below VA Means Test Thresholds
Priority Group 6
Veterans with 0% service-connected conditions, but receiving VA compensation
Veterans seeking care only for disorders relating to Ionizing Radiation and Project 112/SHAD
Veterans seeking care for Agent Orange Exposure during service in Vietnam
Veterans seeking care for Gulf War Illness or for conditions related to exposure to Environmental Contaminants during service in the Persian Gulf
Veterans of World War I or the Mexican Border War
Veterans who served in combat in a war after the Gulf War or during a period of hostility after November 11, 1998 for 2 years following discharge or release from the military
Click here for more information about combat veteran eligibility
Priority Group 7
Veterans who agree to pay specified co-payments with income and/or net worth above the VA Means Test threshold and income below the HUD Geographic Means Test Threshold:
Subpriority a: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans who were enrolled in the VA Health Care System on a specified date and who have remained enrolled since that date
Subpriority c: Nonservice-connected veterans who were enrolled in the VA Health Care System on a specified date and who have remained enrolled since that date
Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans not included in Subpriority a above. VA is not currently using Subpriority e.
Subpriority g: Nonservice-connected veterans not included in Subpriority c above. VA is not currently using Subpriority g.
Priority Group 8
Veterans who agree to pay specified co-payments with income and/or net worth above the VA Means Test threshold and the HUD Geographic Means Test Threshold.
Subpriority a: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans enrolled as of January 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date
Subpriority c: Nonservice-connected veterans enrolled as of January 16, 2003, and who have remained enrolled since that date
Subpriority e: Noncompensable 0% service-connected veterans applying for enrollment after January 16, 2003
Subpriority g: Nonservice-connected veterans applying for enrollment after January 16, 2003