Apply for VA Healthcare

The very first step in obtaining access to your VA Health Benefits is to apply for enrollment. Effective immediately, Veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, can complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. All other Veterans may apply by phone starting July 5, 2016 or schedule an appointment by calling our office at (805) 781-5766.

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/

 

What is the process?

What documents and information do I need to apply?

  • Your most recent tax return
  • Social Security numbers for yourself and your qualified dependents
  • Account numbers for any current health insurance you already have (like Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer)

Enrollment

By Telephone

The telephone application option is a more convenient way to apply for enrollment, and eliminates the need for a signed paper application.

  • VA staff members will collect the needed information and process the enrollment application for an enrollment determination.
  • To apply, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri between 8 am and 8 pm, EST.

By Mail:

Pick up an application at your local VA or download, print, and fill out the 10-10EZ, Application for Health Care. Complete the application (be sure to sign it) and mail to:

Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647

Apply Online

Fill out the application online and electronically submit it to VA for processing. No need for additional documents to verify military service. If you were recently discharged, we will get your military information for you.

  • Click here to complete the healthcare application online.
  • Once you complete the application, you may submit your application online.
  • You will immediately receive a confirmation message notifying you that your application has been received.
  • A signature is not required for online registration.
  • For more information about the application process, click here.
  • You will also receive information about the appeals process, if you do not agree with the enrollment decision.

Apply in Person

You many schedule an appointment at your local Veterans Services Office for assistance with the application process or you may apply in person at your local VA health care facility.

 

 

 

Who is eligible?

Eligible veterans may use this benefit.

Military Service Requirements

  • Veterans must have served in the active military, naval, or air service and separated under any conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Most Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty. This includes current and former members of the Reserve or National Guard called to active duty by a federal order.

Application Requirements

  • Proof of discharge papers such as DD214
  • Any additional health insurance information, including coverage through a spouse or domestic partner
  • Wage and financial information, including previous calendar-year gross income for the Veteran, spouse, and dependent children

Want to know what items you should bring to your appointment?  Please review Healthcare-Enrollment-Checklist-2018.docx

 

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

By appointment only


800 West Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

By appointment only


240 Scott Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

Monday - Friday 8-5


801 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-5766

Fax: (805) 781-5769

FAQS

VA provides world-class health care to eligible Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 sites of care, and it is consistently ranked among the nation’s top health care providers.

Many Veterans may be eligible for VA health care. Enrollment in VA health care satisfies your Affordable Care Act health coverage requirement—no add-on insurance plan is needed. VA encourages you to explore your health care benefits, including the following services:

  • All enrolled Veterans have access to VA’s comprehensive medical benefits package including preventive, primary, and specialty care; prescriptions; mental health care; home health care; geriatrics and extended care; medical equipment and prosthetics; and more.
  • Most Veterans qualify for cost-free health care services, although some Veterans must pay modest copays for health care or prescriptions.
  • Women Veterans can receive primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, prenatal care, maternity care coverage, and other gender-specific services.
  • Veterans who have served in combat-zones—and their family members—may visit VA’s many community-based Vet Centers, which provide no-cost counseling, outreach, and referral services to help the whole family adjust to life after deployment.
  • Combat Veterans who were discharged or released from active service on or after Jan. 28, 2003, are eligible to enroll in the VA healthcare system for five years from the date of their discharge or release, regardless of their disability claim status. Combat Veterans who enroll with VA under this enhanced Combat Veteran authority will continue to be enrolled after their enhanced eligibility period ends, although their enrollment priority group may change.