RAND Study Finds VA Provides High-Quality Health Care
“We are constantly striving to improve our care at VA, but this should encourage Veterans and the public that VA care is in many instances as good as or better than the private sector.”
Then, is VA health care any good?
VA delivers mediocre care or worse.
As a Rand review of the literature concluded, study after study has found that the “quality of care delivered by VA is generally equal to or better than care delivered in the private sector.” This has been true since VA underwent a structural transformation in the mid-1990s.
Also, do I need private insurance if I have VA benefits?
Private insurance is not required. Although insurance is not required for veterans who qualify for VA medical care, any private insurance plan in which the veteran participates will be billed by the VA for services rendered, the same way a civilian hospital would bill the veteran’s insurance.
Can I lose my VA health benefits?
You can save money if you drop your private health insurance, but there are risks. … If you’re in one of the lower priority groups, you could lose your VA health care benefits in the future. If you don’t keep your private insurance, this would leave you without health coverage.
How long do VA health benefits last?
You can receive free VA health care for up to 5 years after discharge or release for any condition related to your service in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation New Dawn (OND) in Iraq. This is called an enhanced eligibility period.
Is VA health care free for veterans?
Can I get free VA health care as a Veteran? You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is related to your military service (called “service connected”). We also provide certain other services for free.
Can I use my VA health care anywhere?
You may select any VA facility that is convenient for you. If the facility you choose cannot provide the health care that you need, VA will make other arrangements for your care based on administrative eligibility and medical necessity.
Do veterans get Tricare for Life?
Tricare is a health insurance program available to veterans, and it comes in four varieties: Tricare Prime, Tricare Extra, Tricare Standard, and Tricare for Life. Tricare, the military’s health insurance plan, actually covers everyone — active-duty members, retirees, and their families.
Does VA pay for prescriptions?
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits offer creditable drug coverage. … Typically, VA drug coverage has no premiums and no or limited copayments for prescriptions—but you must use VA pharmacies and facilities.
Does VA pay for hospital stay?
In general, VA can pay for emergency medical care at a local ER for a Veteran’s service-connected condition, or if the care is related to a Veteran’s service-connected condition. VA can also pay for emergency medical care for a Veteran’s non-service connected condition.
Do all Veterans get VA benefits?
All enrolled Veterans receive the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA’s) comprehensive Medical Benefits Package which includes preventive, primary and specialty care, diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient care services.
Does VA health care count as health insurance?
VA is required, by law, to bill private health insurance providers for medical care, supplies and prescriptions provided for treatment of Veterans’ nonservice-connected conditions. … VA health care is NOT considered a health insurance plan.
Does VA coverage count as health insurance?
The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare or the ACA, requires most Americans to have health insurance coverage. Those without coverage must pay a penalty when they file their taxes. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA health benefits count as medical coverage under the ACA.
Do veterans need additional health insurance?
Veterans programs that meet coverage requirements
This means you don’t need to get additional coverage. If you’re a veteran without VA health care, visit the VA health care website. You may learn that you qualify for VA coverage.