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VA, Affordable Care Act and You

 

What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, was created to expand access to coverage, control health care costs and improve health care quality and care coordination. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

What you should know:

  • VA wants all Veterans to receive health care that improves their health and well-being.
  • If you are enrolled in VA health care, you don’t need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards. The health care law does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.
  • If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time.
  • U.S. taxpayers are required to declare that they have health coverage on their federal tax forms. The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period for coverage in 2016 is November 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.
  • When the 2016 Open Enrollment Period is over, you can enroll in a 2016 health insurance plan if you have a life event that qualifies you for a special enrollment period. Consumers who want to take advantage of the special enrollment period can find out if they are eligible by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-enrollment-period/.

Veterans Enrolled in VA Health Care

The good news is that Veterans enrolled in VA health care programs have health coverage that meets the health care law’s standard and do not have to take any additional steps for health coverage under the law. Read more if enrolled…

Veterans Not Enrolled in VA Health Care

Veterans not currently enrolled in VA health care program can apply for enrollment at any time. Read more about enrolling…

Family Members

VA offers health care benefits for certain family members of Veterans through programs such as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) and the Spina Bifida program. Read more about VA family programs…

Veteran family members who are not enrolled in a health care program and who do not meet the health care law coverage standards should use the Marketplace to get coverage.

Additional Health Care Law Information

We understand you may have questions about the health care law and how it might affect you and your family. We compiled basic information about the health care law to help you make informed decisions about your health care.You can contact VA if you have questions regarding the health care law or your VA health care benefits at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Eastern. After all, ensuring you receive quality health care is not just our obligation, it's also our privilege.

Already Enrolled?
Considering VA?
Family Members

For More Information

1-877-222-VETS (8387)
8 am to 8 pm ET Mon-Fri

Find out if you're eligible: Health Benefits Explorer
Apply now for VA Health Care
Need help? Online Chat

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