How to Know If You Are Eligible for Veterans Insurance

By Scott Rutherford

Quality medical coverage is available at low to no cost for many veterans of the U.S. armed forces through the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA). While wading through the red tape can be frustrating, these guidelines will help you determine how to know if you are eligible for veterans insurance.

Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. As long as they are not dishonorably discharged, most veterans of active-duty military service in the armed forces of the Unites States qualify for veterans insurance. This includes reservists and National Guard soldiers who have completed a full term of active duty because of a federal executive order. You may also qualify if your are the dependent or a qualifying veteran or the surviving spouse or dependent of a deceased veteran. Some veterans are eligible for veterans insurance benefits at no cost, including veterans who have low income, have former prisoner-of-war status, have received a Purple Heart medal for being wounded in combat or who under treatment for injuries or other disabilities associated with their military service. Other veterans may have to pay co-pays for treatment received based upon their income. A VA enrollment calculator is available online to help you determine if you are eligible and for what co-pays you may be responsible.

Fill out the 10-10EZ form online at the Veterans Administration website. Be aware that the income-eligibility guidelines were relaxed in June 2009, so even if you were not qualified before due to high income, you might be now. The 10-10EZ form can be found under the heading "Applying for Care" on the VA website.

Consider other insurance values available to veterans. Veterans who have a service-related disability, but who are otherwise in good health, qualify for life insurance through the VA at standard life insurance rates, while you might be charged a higher rate for your disability by other insurance companies. Most veterans qualify for $10,000 to $30,000 in coverage through the VA. If you are totally disabled due to a service-related condition, you may even be eligible for waiver of premiums. You wouldn't have to pay. You also may opt to convert some or all of your Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (the life insurance you had when you were in on active duty, also called SGLI) with Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

If you have specific questions, you can call the VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or contact the enrollment coordinator at any VA medical center.

http://www.lenderva.com