Health Benefits

Notification of the Status of Your Application

Once your application for enrollment is approved, you will receive a welcome phone call from us to assist you with scheduling your first VA health care appointment and to answer questions you may have about your health care benefits. VA will send you a personalized Veterans Health Benefits Handbook that contains specific information regarding health care benefits you are eligible for, your Enrollment Priority Group assignment, copay status, and other helpful information as a new enrollee.

If you are unable to be enrolled or you disagree with the enrollment decision, you may appeal the decision. The handbook will contain information on the appeal process and if you are not able to be enrolled, VA will notify you by letter or the reason why you cannot be enrolled. The letter will contain information and instructions on how to appeal the decision if you do not agree with it.

Getting an Appointment

You may request a doctor's appointment at the time you apply in person, or by checking 'yes' to the question asking if you want and appointment on the application. An appointment will be made with a VA doctor or provider and you will be notified via mail of the appointment. If you need health care before your scheduled appointment, you may contact the Enrollment Coordinator, Urgent Care Clinic or the Emergency Room at your local VA.

Obtain your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Only Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system may receive a VHIC. If you are not currently enrolled, you may apply online at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll or by calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387). You may also apply for enrollment in person at your local VA medical facility. Once your application for enrollment is verified, contact your local VA medical center Enrollment Coordinator to arrange to have your picture taken for the new VHIC, or you may request a new VHIC at the next VA health care appointment.

For more information about the VHIC card, please visit the VHIC web page

Already Enrolled / Need to Update your Information?

Veterans already enrolled in VA health care can update their personal information such as income, address and insurance information, by completing VA Form 10-10EZR, Renewal Application for Health Benefits, available online, by visiting their local VA or by calling 1-877-222-VETS 8am to 8pm Mon through Friday, EST.

Enrolled, but later Determined Ineligible

Enrolled Veterans who are receiving health care benefits, and are later determined to not be eligible for enrollment will be notified via letter 60 days prior to disenrollment. This will assist in giving the Veteran adequate time to provide VA with the needed information to finalize the enrollment decision and, if necessary, transfer his/her medical care to the private sector or to seek other options for medical care.

The pre-termination of enrollment letter will indicate:

• The reason for the decision, e.g. lack of proof of Veteran status, eligibility, etc.
• The proposed effective date of the decision
• Appeal procedures and the right to present evidence
• Request a personal hearing and have representation

During the 60-day period, the Veteran has the right to:

• Contest or provide additional information before a final eligibility determination is made
• Remain in their current enrollment group and continue to receive health care benefits

At the end of the 60 days, and after thoroughly reviewing any new evidence or information submitted, the VA will make a final eligibility determination.

If the information provided assists in determining that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating continued eligibility status.

If the Veteran is determined not eligible for enrollment, the Veteran will receive a notification letter indicating:

• Reason for disenrollment
• Date of disenrollment, and
• Instructions for submitting VA Form 4107VHA, "Your Right to Appeal Our Decision."