AARP Launches New Tool to Help Veterans Access Health Care
AARP has launched a new tool to bring together valuable information and resources to help veterans, military families and their caregivers navigate their health care options.
The Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator provides veterans with critical information about what is required to qualify for health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense.
The navigator -- available at www.AARP.org/VetsHealthNavigator -- is intended to help veterans and their families understand service-related health benefits. It helps define what VA Health Services are and how veterans can gain further health support for themselves and their loved ones.
There are three important steps to getting VA Health Services:
- Identify if the service members qualify for services
- Have important documentation needed to apply
- Reach out to others if help is needed
The Veterans and Military Families Health Benefits Navigator has information about how VA Health Services can be applied toward certain health insurance plans like Tricare, Medicare, and Medicaid.
There are three paths veterans and families can take when trying to get VA health care: disability status, service history, and income need.
Disability status: those who have a connected injury, illness, or disability incurred during or aggravated by time in the military.
Service history: recipients of a Purple Heart, a Medal of Honor, or a former prisoner of war.
Income need: those with an income below a certain level defined by the VA.
Find out more about these paths and their requirements here or browse to aarp.org/veterans
