By Paul Bright
Veterans of the United States military are offered health care opportunities as a benefit for serving their country. Yet family members of living and deceased veterans do not get the same benefits. However, there are some limited options for those veteran family members that have special needs and unique circumstances.
The veteran is entitled to health care at Veteran Administration (VA) care facilities. Depending on the disability rating they receive and income level, veterans can get treatment with or without co-pays for any medical issues, especially those related to their rated disabilities. However, veterans' families are not automatically entitled to health insurance once a military member reaches veteran status.
Special circumstances can provide health care benefits for families. The VA will provide bereavement counseling for surviving members of deceased veterans. Those surviving spouses and children are also qualified to receive help from the Civilian Health and Medical Program- Veterans Administration (CHAMPVA). CHAMPVA can provide medical reimbursements for medications, medical equipment and skilled nursing care among other conditions. This only applies to surviving family members if the veteran died in combat, was permanently disabled at the time of death, or died because of a service-connected disability. If the surviving spouse remarries, her benefits expire at midnight of the marriage date. Family members also cannot qualify for Tricare benefits; Tricare is the civilian Department of Defense medical program for active duty and reserve member's families. Family members of living veterans that are totally disabled for service-connected disabilities also qualify for CHAMPVA benefits.
Children of veterans that have birth defects may also qualify for special health benefits and insurance. The child must be one of a Vietnam veteran and conceived after the date that the veteran entered the republic of Vietnam. Benefits will assist in the cost of treatments related to the defect, to include rehabilitation. Also, Korean and Vietnam veteran children born with spinal bifida may receive medical benefits related to their treatment. The veterans must have served in Vietnam between 9 January 1962 and 7 May 1975; or in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between 1 September 1967 and 31 August 1971. For more specific information on what allowances and benefits are allotted to these special conditions, see the additional resources listed below.
http://www.lenderva.com
No comments:
Post a Comment